RFU Statement in response to the Special General Meeting proposal

Monday October 10, 2011
Issued by Rugby Football Union

Willie Wildash, President

“I am very disappointed to hear of the proposal to call an SGM accompanied by the allegations that no action is taking place as a result of the Blackett Report.

After the last Council meeting, because of the conflict of interest, the RFU’s Disciplinary Officer, Jeff Blackett, handed over to me the issue of whether or not disciplinary proceedings are appropriate as a result of allegations of misconduct contained in the Blackett Report.

Despite the fact I have been in New Zealand I have already taken action and put in place a robust process that is enabling information obtained from various persons, by the Blackett Review Panel, to be used to facilitate the gathering of evidence needed to determine whether or not disciplinary proceedings are appropriate.  This process was necessary because all the information was provided on a strictly anonymous basis to the Panel and indeed many of those who provided testimony have no record of exactly what they are alleged to have said.  The process will protect the confidentiality of those persons who provided information and enable them to provide evidence that can be properly tested to enable a decision to be taken as to whether disciplinary proceedings are appropriate.  To this end I have already taken action and appointed an independent QC, with experience in disciplinary matters, to review the evidence and determine whether or not proceedings should be brought.  If appropriate, I will then convene a disciplinary panel in accordance with the Rules and Regulations.  Until this process has been completed disciplinary proceedings cannot be commenced and, of course, if any person is charged they must be given the opportunity to defend themselves.

To call an SGM on the basis of a report containing allegations made anonymously and before the process has been completed to determine whether those allegations can be substantiated before anyone has been given the opportunity of defending themselves against any resulting charges, is surely not the way that rugby people should behave because it directly conflicts with our concept of fair play and justice.

You will see from Paul’s statement that we have continued to move forward in a number of key areas, despite the efforts of a small minority who appear to wish to turn the clock back."

Paul Murphy, Chairman

“It is obviously very disappointing that some Council members have seen fit to propose an SGM with the sole purpose of removing Martyn Thomas from office.  There can be no hiding away from the fact that those Council members have put a personal matter above the greater good of the RFU and failed to recognise their collective responsibility that Martyn has won two votes of no confidence by a sizeable margin.

At the AGM in July, Martyn stood down as Chairman but rightly retained his other roles as he is highly valued by the international rugby community.  Also, the Blackett Report recommended that he continue as Acting Chief Executive of the RFU which he has done.  The Board of Directors has changed significantly since July with only five members of the old Board remaining.

The proposed SGM should in no way overshadow the excellent work that is being achieved by the RFU, in particular the new executive team and the loyal staff at Twickenham who have expressed their full support for Martyn.  We are shortly to announce a record turnover and record profit for the last financial year, the new executive team is working really well and the community department is making huge strides.  Also, we will be announcing two independent non-executive directors in the coming weeks one of which will sit on the interviewing panel to select our new Chief Executive before the end of 2011.  The Sport England audit plus the external corporate governance audit will also be completed shortly and other recommendations of the Blackett Review are being progressed.

As is shown above, the day to day operation of the RFU is not in a mess nor is it dysfunctional and we are all determined to look forward to the future opportunities of RWC 2015.   Sadly it is a small section of the rugby community that are looking backwards.”

Martyn Thomas, Chief Executive

“I remain committed in my role as Chief Executive until we have appointed my successor when I shall readily hand over and focus on my other roles as an International Rugby Board representative and Chairman of England Rugby 2015.  I would also like to express my gratitude for all the calls of support I have received from staff at Twickenham and Council colleagues.”