Rugby Football Union

Rugby union governing body of England, Guernsey and the Isle of Man

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The Rugby Football Union (RFU) is the national governing body for rugby union in England. It was founded in 1871, and was the sport's international governing body prior to the formation of what is now known as World Rugby (WR) in 1886. It promotes and runs the sport, organises international matches for the England national team, and educates and trains players and officials.

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RFU not planning to alter overseas eligibility rules There are no plans to change England's eligibility rules, says Rugby Football Union chief executive Bill Sweeney. BBC Sport - Published 2 weeks ago
RFU apologises for sin-bin error in Harlequins win The RFU apologises after Harlequins' Irne Herbst spends only seven minutes in the sin-bin instead of 10 during their win over Bath - but says the result will stand. BBC Sport - Published on March 31, 2024
RFU debated selling Twickenham and buying Wembley shares The Rugby Football Union considered selling Twickenham and buying a 50% share in Wembley, according to a document seen by the BBC. BBC Sport - Published on February 20, 2024

Sweeney asks Championship clubs to find resolution RFU chief executive Bill Sweeney asks Championship clubs to "come together" to "find a resolution" over the future of the second tier. BBC Sport - Published on January 15, 2024
RFU 'playing God' over Championship proposals Coventry chief executive Nick Johnston says the RFU is "playing God with people's wellbeing" over plans for a new second tier. BBC Sport - Published on January 11, 2024
Championship clubs feel 'threatened' over RFU plans Championship clubs say the RFU has "threatened them with effective relegation" over objections to plans for a new second tier. BBC Sport - Published on January 10, 2024

Players and coaches abusing referees face longer bans Players and coaches abusing referees in England will face longer suspensions as the RFU tries to stop more match officials leaving the game. BBC Sport - Published on January 10, 2024
'We should be world-leading at all levels' - RFU English rugby's powerbrokers announce plans to revitalise the game in England after admitting they have "failed miserably" when it comes to developing young talent. BBC Sport - Published on December 21, 2023
RFU makes £4m profit despite clubs in administration The Rugby Football Union (RFU) made a profit of £4m last year despite three Premiership clubs going out of business due to financial struggles. BBC Sport - Published on December 1, 2023
Talks held over England-New Zealand at Twickenham The Rugby Football Union (RFU) says discussions with world champions New Zealand over a standalone women's game at Twickenham in 2024 are ongoing. BBC Sport - Published on October 25, 2023

Rugby 'on cusp of something spectacular' - Sweeney RFU chief executive Bill Sweeney says the game is "on the cusp of something quite spectacular" as it attempts to rebuild after a turbulent period. BBC Sport - Published on October 4, 2023
RFU to blame for England's poor form - Jones England's poor form is down to the RFU not producing enough quality players, says Australia head coach Eddie Jones. BBC Sport - Published on September 1, 2023
Packer only scrum-half among new RFU contracts The Rugby Football Union has awarded contracts of varying lengths to 32 England players over the next three seasons. BBC Sport - Published on July 11, 2023	RFU investigates incident during Exeter v Saracens The Rugby Football Union is investigating an alleged incident between coaching staff and a player during the Premier 15s semi-final between Exeter Chiefs and Saracens. BBC Sport - Published on June 12, 2023
New England deals have 'significant enhancements' England's women have been offered new deals with "significant enhancements", the Rugby Football Union says. BBC Sport - Published on June 8, 2023	London Irish suspended from Premiership as takeover falls through London Irish have been suspended from the Gallagher Premiership and will not be able to play in any RFU league next season due to financial difficulties. Sky News - Published on June 7, 2023Also reported by •BBC Sport
London Irish takeover deadline extended despite 50% salaries The Rugby Football Union grants London Irish a one-week extension until 6 June to complete their takeover. BBC Sport - Published on May 31, 2023	Hansen praises RFU call to raise Pride flag amid Folau selection Steve Hansen praises the Rugby Football Union's decision to raise the Pride flag above Twickenham on Sunday. BBC Sport - Published on May 23, 2023
Wasps denied place in 2023-24 Championship by RFU The RFU withdraws its offer of a place in the Championship for 2023-24 for fallen Premiership side Wasps. BBC Sport - Published on May 18, 2023	RFU 'distinguished member' banned for racism The Rugby Football Union bans a 'distinguished member' from Twickenham for making a racist comment at England v Wales in the 2022 Six Nations. BBC Sport - Published on May 9, 2023
Worcester fans' group rallies against Wasps move A Worcester fans' group has urged the Rugby Football Union to reject Wasps' bid to play at Warriors' Sixways ground. BBC Sport - Published on May 9, 2023	RFU must 'keep talent within our system' Premiership Rugby chief executive Simon Massie-Taylor says it is vital to keep rules in place preventing England from picking overseas-based players. BBC Sport - Published on May 4, 2023
England prop Cornborough announces pregnancy England prop Vickii Cornborough is pregnant with twins and is set to benefit from the RFU's new maternity policy. BBC Sport - Published on April 30, 2023	'RFU should ease England player restrictions' The Rugby Football Union should lift temporary restrictions on overseas players representing England, say the Rugby Players' Association. BBC Sport - Published on April 28, 2023
New tackle height is 'base of sternum' RFU confirms The legal tackle height in community rugby will be lowered from below the shoulders to the "base of the sternum" from next season, the Rugby Football Union confirms. BBC Sport - Published on April 21, 2023	Nowell fined £10k for criticising referee on Twitter England and Exeter winger Jack Nowell is fined £10,000 by the Rugby Football Union for criticising a refereeing decision on Twitter. BBC Sport - Published on April 20, 2023
Players need to call out racism - Itoje England and Saracens lock Maro Itoje says the RFU's investigation into racism is a reminder to "make sure we're holding each other to account". BBC Sport - Published on April 5, 2023	Burrell has 'closure' after RFU finds racism claims true Former England centre Luther Burrell says he is "proud" and has "a sense of closure" after an RFU investigation finds his claims of racism in rugby union were true. BBC Sport - Published on April 4, 2023
Report to 'find Burrell's racism allegations true' Newcastle Falcons say an RFU report into Luther Burrell's claims of racism in rugby union will find the allegations true. BBC Sport - Published on April 2, 2023	Central contracts 'good idea' for rugby - Brown The RFU should look to introduce central contract to ease the Premiership's money problems, says ex-England full-back Mike Brown. BBC Sport - Published on March 29, 2023
Borthwick wants RFU to review selection policy England head coach Steve Borthwick urges the Rugby Football Union to rethink its overseas selection policy so he can pick his strongest team. BBC Sport - Published on February 23, 2023	RFU approves Wasps' place in Championship The RFU confirms that Wasps - currently without a home - will play in next season's Championship but Worcester will not take part. BBC Sport - Published on February 15, 2023
Pregnancy moment one of shock & excitement - Ward England lock Abbie Ward discusses her pregnancy, the RFU's new maternity policy and the departure of head coach Simon Middleton. BBC Sport - Published on February 9, 2023	'Middleton's impact will never be forgotten' Simon Middleton is leaving after eight years in charge of England - but where will the RFU look for his replacement. BBC Sport - Published on February 7, 2023
RFU apologises for handing of tackle height decision The Rugby Football Union apologises for its handling of their decision to implement new laws on tackle height in the English community game. BBC Sport - Published on January 27, 2023	Ex-Ireland stars question RFU's new tackle laws Former Ireland internationals Rory Best and Tommy Bowe express their concerns about the new laws on tackle height due to be implemented in the community game in England. BBC Sport - Published on January 26, 2023
RFU council to seek guidance over new tackle law Rugby Football Union council members, who voted to lower the tackle height, will now seek guidance from their clubs over the controversial law change. BBC Sport - Published on January 24, 2023	Owens' fears over RFU tackle law changes Former international referee Nigel Owens believes new tackle laws in English rugby next season will make life "difficult" for match officials. BBC Sport - Published on January 22, 2023
RFU pledge 'clarity' on tackle laws amid criticism The Rugby Football Union says it will soon provide "clarity for the game" regarding the radical new tackle laws amid fears of a mass player exodus. BBC Sport - Published on January 20, 2023	RFU reduces tackle height to waist-level in community game Rugby chiefs are to introduce a reduction in tackle height from next season in the community game to improve player safety. BBC Sport - Published on January 19, 2023
Jones would ignore RFU administrators at World Cup Former England coach Eddie Jones says he would ignore Rugby Football Union administrators if his Australia side meet England at this year's World Cup. BBC Sport - Published on January 17, 2023	Quins prop Marler charged over Heenan comments England and Harlequins prop Joe Marler is charged by the Rugby Football Union for conduct prejudicial to the game. BBC Sport - Published on December 30, 2022
RFU rejects Worcester plan for league return Worcester's application to return to professional rugby next season is rejected by the RFU, but Wasps are approved. BBC Sport - Published on December 16, 2022	Worcester buyers say RFU conditions 'unreasonable' The prospective buyers of Worcester Warriors accuse the Rugby Football Union of trying to impose unfair conditions on the deal. BBC Sport - Published on December 15, 2022