RFU president Tom Ilube has resigned after an emergency meeting over bonus pay issues that have rocked England rugby’s governing body.

RFU president Tom Ilube has stepped down from his position in the wake of the bonus scandal that has rocked England rugby’s governing body.

It was announced that an independent review of executive pay plans will take place following an emergency RFU committee meeting on Wednesday.

It follows criticism that RFU chief executive Bill Sweeney was paid £1.1m in the 2023-24 financial year. This pay includes an increased base salary of £742,000 and a bonus of £358,000. A further £1m bonus was handed out to five other RFU staff.

The revelations sparked outrage among the English rugby public as they come at a time when the RFU announced a loss of £37 million for the last financial year.

About 40 employees were also laid off. A vote of no confidence in Sweeney and Ilube was likely to take place in 2025.

However, the latter has already departed and the news was confirmed on Friday morning.

RFU president Tom Ilube has stepped down from his position following the bonus scandal that has rocked England rugby’s governing body.

RFU CEO Bill Sweeney (left) and Ilube (right) were both likely to face a no-confidence vote in 2025.

Ilube, who will take up the role in 2021, said in a statement: “Due to recent events causing disruption to the game, I have decided to step down as RFU chairman, but will remain on to ensure a smooth transition.” The new chairman will take his place as soon as he takes office.

‘We are pleased that an independent review of the LTIP (Bonus) Scheme has been commissioned and we look forward to the results once completed.

‘It has been an honor to take on the role of Chairman of the RFU. I look forward to once again enjoying the game I grew up with on the touchline and watching him grow.’

Sir Bill Beaumont, who recently stepped down as World Rugby president, is lined up to take over at Ilube on an interim basis.