RFU Council statement

By Kath 27-4-07
April 29 2007

The Rugby Football Union Council today received an update on the Way Forward Consultation Document from the RFU Chief Executive Francis Baron. The first draft of the document was circulated to Council and copies will be distributed to the Game imminently.

RFU Council statement


The document includes comment from and consultation with all elements of the game, including the Professional Rugby Players' Association and Premier Rugby Ltd. Further input is welcomed at nine roadshows which run from May 1 to May 24 around the country.

The consultation period for the Way Forward closes at the end of May and the RFU will collate the information received and produce a report for the Council on June 22 2007, at which point the final document will be put together. The Council reiterated its complete support for the Way Forward and its process.

Following a vote, it was agreed by Council that the PRL Chief Executive Mark McCafferty attend the presentation and debate regarding the RFU-PRL negotiations and Europe. RFU Elite Rugby Director Rob Andrew primarily briefed Council on the former. It was confirmed that negotiations between the RFU and PRL restarted yesterday (Thursday) and that further meetings would take place.

Shareholdings in Europe were discussed and debated at length. The resolution originally submitted for the Council's consideration was withdrawn by the proposer and no vote was taken.

The Council expressed the wish that the RFU and PRL complete their negotiations with a satisfactory resolution for all parties.