The consultation is a crucial next step in the work of the Governance and Representation Review Group, chaired by Malcolm Wharton CBE, which was set up last year.

In the first phase of its work, the group has spent the past year conducting an extensive fact-finding process to understand how the game can better reflect the voices of those who play, run, and support rugby.

It has reviewed previous consultation findings, used insight from the National Rugby Survey, undertaken a series of focus groups, surveyed RFU Council Members and held interviews with a wide range of stakeholders, as well as looking at other Unions and their governing models and membership organisations.

Key issues identified for rugby during this process were:

• Overly complex and slow decision-making

• Lack of transparency and communication

• Insufficient representation and diversity

• Ambiguity in roles between the Board and Council

• High administrative burden on volunteers

Following this work, the consultation suggests a variety of governance changes, led by the principle of embedding and strengthening the voice of the game within the RFU and modernising rugby’s governance and decision-making structures.

It puts forward a range of core principles and options for the future while inviting other ideas and insights. Options set out by Wharton’s group include replacing the current 63 person RFU Council in its current form and replacing it with a smaller national advisory group or replacing those members with game representatives who would be embedded within all the decision-making bodies, including in suggested Regional Growth Boards.

Suggestions also include proposals to enhance areas like volunteer development, and accelerating ideas to develop a genuinely devolved regional system so those in the game can feel closer to and can influence the decisions which impact them directly.

The consultation will run from 30 April to 30 June 2025 during which time the Review Group is inviting views from clubs, players, coaches, volunteers, administrators, and anyone passionate about the game.

Malcolm Wharton CBE, Chair of the Governance and Representation Review Group, said: “This review represents an opportunity for real change. We want to work with the game to identify a progressive, inclusive, agile and local approach to governance, where we can deliver greater transparency built on a culture of shared ownership so rugby can thrive across the country.”

Additional background:

• The RFU is required to review its governance structure at least every five years. The RFU Governance and Representation Review Group was set up in 2024 to do this. Details on the full group.

• Once the game consultation is finished, the group will report to the RFU Council with a final report and set of recommendations.

• In the coming weeks a series of webinars and wider online sessions will be advertised and held for anyone to come and hear from the group who have put the consultation together and to ask any question.