Tom Ilube is stepping down as chair of the Rugby Football Union (RFU) amid an executive pay row.
Sky Sports News understands that Bill Beaumont is being touted as a short-term replacement.
The RFU, which held an emergency council meeting on Wednesday, has announced an independent review of its executive pay plan, which features a long-term incentive plan (LTIP) scheme.
It followed outcry over RFU chief executive Bill Sweeney being paid £1.1m for the 2023-24 financial year, which comprised an increased salary of £742,000 and bonus of £358,000.
Announcing his exit, Ilube, who took on the RFU chair role in 2021, said in a statement on Friday: “I have decided to step down from my role as chair of the RFU as recent events have become a distraction from the game, but will stay on to ensure a smooth transition to a new chair as soon as one is in place.
“I’m pleased that an independent review of the LTIP scheme has been commissioned and look forward to its findings once completed.
Former England captain Bill Beaumont, who stepped down as World Rugby chair in November, is understood to be a contender for the RFU role on a short-term basis
“It has been an honour to Chair the RFU, and I look forward to once again enjoying the game that I grew up with from the touchline and watching it grow.”
Ilube had been facing motions calling for his removal after a grassroots revolt gathered enough support to trigger a special general meeting.
Large swathes of the game are in uproar at the amount earned by Sweeney given the RFU reported an operating loss of £37.9m for the same period – the highest it has ever recorded.
In addition, 42 staff were made redundant in September, the England men’s team won just five of their 12 matches in 2024 and grassroots participation is in decline.
Sweeney’s position is also under threat, with a motion for the RFU board to dismiss him set to be tabled at the forthcoming SGM.
Ilube was head of the remuneration committee which signed off the long-term incentive plan that is the basis for the bonuses awarded to Sweeney and other executives.
