RFU to consult whole game on Slaughter & May Review

RFU to consult whole game on

Slaughter & May Review

THE Rugby Football Union Council today resolved to consult the whole game about becoming a world leader in sporting governance.  

After hearing and discussing a presentation on the Review of Governance for the RFU (click here to view) by Slaughter and May corporate partner Nigel Boardman, the Council fully endorsed Independent Non-Executive Director Miles Templeman to lead a steering group for that process.

Templeman will report to the RFU Board of Directors at their December 14 meeting when the composition of the steering group, made up of members of Council and Board, will be decided. That will be followed by wide-ranging, detailed consultation of all stakeholders in the game, from the elite level to the grassroots, and then take action on those Slaughter and May recommendations.        

RFU President Willie Wildash said: “We have a great opportunity to define how we run the game we all love and feel so passionate about. We feel a huge responsibility to players, coaches, referees, supporters, sponsors – everybody involved in rugby union at all levels – not only to reflect humbly on how we run our game but to take real progressive action.

“We should thank Nigel Boardman and his colleagues for such a detailed report and 150 recommendations, many of which, if adopted, would fundamentally improve how we operate.

“Every one of those recommendations will be closely studied and discussed. Some of this will take time and it is vitally important that it is done thoroughly and correctly to benefit the whole game. The principles of good governance must be re-inforced but we are committed to the ultimate objective of ensuring that we have the right governance structures in place to support those principles.

“Miles Templeman is highly respected and experienced in governance and the Council unanimously decided that he should lead a group that will be representative of all areas of the game.”

Wildash added: “The Slaughter and May review was essential and precipitated by a number of factors, especially the Blackett Report, which was a most thorough review into the circumstances surrounding the sudden departure of John Steele in June.  

“The report identified failures within the RFU and that has been a catalyst for change, not least leading to the Slaughter and May review.  It was undertaken diligently and expeditiously by an experienced and capable team.  Thanks to their efforts and those of many others who have contributed to the Slaughter and May review we are very optimistic that we have turned a corner and are now heading in the right direction.”

The Professional Game Board report into England’s Rugby World Cup 2011 campaign was delivered by PGB Chairman Ian Metcalfe and Rob Andrew and the recommendations were unanimously endorsed.

Council also heard from RFU Director of Rugby Development Steve Grainger about the vision for actively supporting England’s member clubs to deliver opportunities up to, during and after Rugby World Cup 2015, reviewing competition structures, and progress in developing a clear strategy for touch rugby.

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