RFU refutes claims of bad management

The Rugby Football Union has hit back at Francis Baron after its former chief executive criticised what he claims is Twickenham’s financial mismanagement.

Baron has produced a report based on his analysis of the RFU’S accounts dating back to 2000, motivated by his unease at 64 redundancies being made to slash costs, despite record revenues generated for 2016 and 2017.

Appointed RFU chief executive in 1998, Baron oversaw an upturn in financial performance during his 12 years in charge but has not worked since leaving the post.

He said the situation had deteriorated from one of “growing profits to horrendous losses” and railed against “poor financial management”. The RFU disputes his view, however.

“The RFU is on a sound financial footing, with a healthy cash position, robust contracted revenues and a good balance sheet,” an RFU spokeswoman said. “Mr Baron has been a regular critic of the Union since he left many years ago.”