The Council overwhelmingly agreed a way forward to ensure greater collaboration between the RFU Board, Executive and Council and expressed a determination to all work together to deliver a vibrant, sustainable game. 

Briers, who was himself appointed to Council in 2004 and whose adult rugby has been with West Park St Helens in Lancashire, said: “As a result of constructive and collaborative debate, a proposed resolution on a Governance and Operation Review was withdrawn by those who put it forward.

“It is Council, Board and the Executive Team’s intention to work collaboratively on questions some Council Members have raised and on the transformational opportunities we have to act in the best interests of the community and professional game for decades to come.

“We have a strong cash position and no debt. We also have a strong Profit & Loss reserve position due to the Six Nations transaction with CVC in 2021 that brought in £90m profits.

“That said, like all organisations we are facing financial challenges due to the impact of the pandemic and the current economic climate.

“Projected possible losses were previously provided to Council as an illustration to underline the need to take mitigating actions, at no point was this a proposed plan or budget.”

Council members are well aware of the real and significant challenges for the game at every level and are committed, in conjunction with the Board and Executive, to finding solutions to the problems presented, including culture, finance and participation.

Detailed discussion at the recent Council meeting on the present financial position and strategy now sees members working with the Executive and the Board to better understand and communicate with all stakeholders, and together shaping the RFU’s capability to deliver appropriate solutions. 

With all involved in the sport engaged in this process, a review of ways of working will include Council meetings, to focus discussions on issues with the greatest impact on the future of the game.