The key questions Where does the RFU go from here?
Q How much of a surprise was Steve Brown’s resignation?
AThe chief executive had been coming under increasing fire from Rugby Football Union grandees as concerns grew over the governing body’s finances, but his decision is a major shock.
He is only 14 months into what he described as a “job of a lifetime” and was in the process of overseeing a significant re-adjustment of the RFU’S finance planning in the face of uncertain economic times. In an exclusive interview with The Daily Telegraph on the eve of the All Blacks match, Brown had described how increased revenues from the redevelopment of Twickenham’s East Stand would be reinvested into the game.
Q Why has he quit now?
ASources at Twickenham say Brown became fed up with the sniping from outside the organisation and he informed the board of his decision to step down on the same day details from Francis Baron’s highly critical report on the RFU’S finances was published on Wednesday.
The decision to implement a major cost-cutting programme little more than a year after hosting the World Cup had caused a lot of angst in the grass-roots game.
Q Is the structure to blame?
ABrown’s decision to step down appears to be more of a personal decision in the face of ongoing criticism from outside rather than an indictment of the
RFU structure. Brown is thought to have had the full support of his board and staff.
Twickenham had come a long way since the political infighting and blood-letting of 2011, although one of the criticisms made by Baron was that the council was no longer able to hold the board to account.
Q What about the World Cup?
AAlmost every day between now and the start of the tournament next September has already been accounted for. What is in doubt is the head coach succession plan. Brown had hoped for a smooth takeover when he announced a contract extension for Eddie Jones until 2021. But that is dependent on England having a successful World Cup.
Q Will this affect the RFU’S relationship with the clubs?
AWith the clubs discussing selling a minority share in the Premiership to an investor, the loss of the top executive at the RFU is far from ideal. It could affect future relations between the clubs and the governing body over access to England players.
Q Who might take over?
ANigel Melville, the RFU’S professional rugby director, will become interim chief executive in January and will be a strong contender. Simon Halliday, the European Professional Club Rugby chairman, and Mark Evans, former Harlequins and Melbourne Storm chief executive, are likely to be considered.