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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'I loved France as you couldn't get picked for England' Gloucester number eight Zach Mercer says he loved playing for Montpellier in France's Top 14 as you "couldn't get picked for England" because of the Rugby Football Union's policy of not selecting.. BBC Sport - Published on June 20, 2024
RFU proposes play-off for Premiership promotion Rugby union's governing body approves plans for a two-legged play-off to decide promotion and relegation from the Premiership. BBC Sport - Published on June 14, 2024
Championship clubs want more talks on game's future Championship clubs want more talks with the RFU to try and solve the impasse over the future of the professional game in England. BBC Sport - Published on June 4, 2024

Directors of rugby agree on overseas player rule The Premiership play-offs' directors of rugby urge the Rugby Football Union to stick with their policy of not selecting players based overseas. BBC Sport - Published on May 27, 2024
Club bosses back England's no overseas players rule The Premiership play-offs' directors of rugby urge the Rugby Football Union to stick with their policy of not selecting players based overseas. BBC Sport - Published on May 27, 2024
Vunipola warned by RFU over Majorca arrest England and Saracens number eight Billy Vunipola is issued with a formal warning by the RFU following his arrest in Majorca. BBC Sport - Published on May 9, 2024

Champions England have moved to 'another level' Rugby Football Union chief executive Bill Sweeney says England’s Six Nations campaign was “terrific” as they have taken the game to “another level". BBC Sport - Published on April 29, 2024
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 on April 9, 2024
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