RFU CHIEF EXECUTIVE Bill Sweeney is set to be paid £1.1 million for the last financial year, despite the RFU's annual report for the year until June 30 showing an operating loss of £37.9 million. 

This news comes despite the financial struggles of England Rugby since the COVID-19 pandemic, which has seen three Gallagher Premier League clubs fall out of operation - including Worcester Warriors. 

Sweeney is being paid a combined salary and bonus of £742,000 as well as a one-off sum of £358,000, lifting the total to £1.1 million. The pay is an 8.5 percent increase from the £684,000 he was paid in 2023. 

The RFU also announced in September that 42 members of staff were being made redundant due to financial losses. 

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RFU chairman Tom Ilube said: "During the pandemic, the executive team took deeper and longer salary cuts than the rest of the organisation along with a reduced bonus. 

"The LTIP, put in place post-Covid, recognised the material and voluntary reduction in remuneration, despite an exceptional increase in workload, while also incentivising the executive team to remain in post.

"Four years ago the game faced an unprecedented and unforeseen set of challenges and costs triggered by Covid. 

"We end this latest four-year cycle with a strong balance sheet, no debt, a robust cash position and positive P&L reserves. That is the result of strong leadership and hard work from everyone involved in rugby."