The Championship club’s call comes after three former RFU presidents called for the resignation of Ilube, Sweeney and “relevant RFU board members”.
Martyn Thomas, Graeme Cattermole and Brian Baister claimed the RFU’s reputation had suffered “tremendous and irreparable damage” as a result of the bonus payments.
The Community Clubs Union, a group of grassroots clubs campaigning for change, also said it fully supported Thomas, Cattermole and Baister’s letter.
In response to the Championship’s call for a vote, the RFU said in a statement: “The RFU has finished its most recent four-year cycle with a strong balance sheet, zero debt, a strong cash position and positive profit and loss reserves.
“We always incur a loss in a Rugby World Cup year due to the lower number of home games and the increased costs associated with participating in the RWC. This revenue impact has been anticipated, planned and is in line with expectations.
“The RFU has continued to invest strategically in the game at all levels and over the past two years the RFU has worked hard to develop a redesigned Championship with the aim of developing whole-game solutions to support the development of English rugby.
“The aim was to support the English rugby system by developing young British talent, while also creating a second tier to support clubs to become financially sustainable by growing local audiences, improving standards and increasing league value.
“Significant research has been undertaken and external independent advice sought to support the strategy, with increased RFU funding, tiered capabilities for Premiership entry and a promotion and relegation mechanism with a governance structure to provide greater self-reliance. Minimum standards are proposed.”
