Club Statement: RFU Resolution Outcome

28th March 2025

Doncaster Rugby Football Club acknowledges the outcome of the recent RFU vote, in which the main resolution was defeated by 206 votes in favour and 466 against.

While early indications suggested a significant level of support, it became clear throughout the RFU’s Bill Beaumont Roadshow and at the final meeting that a substantial number of Community Clubs (Level 3 and below) were persuaded to vote against the proposal. This shift appears largely due to the RFU’s commitment to conduct a full review of concerns raised during the consultation process and, notably, the proposed reinstatement of Regional Development Officers (RDOs)—a key issue voiced by many community representatives.

It is encouraging to note the recurring sentiment from both in-person discussions and online submissions that the RFU’s promises must now be subject to close scrutiny, with measurable outcomes expected by the time of the RFU’s AGM in July.

Regrettably, for Tier 2 and Championship clubs, there was no alteration in the RFU’s position on funding. The majority of clubs at this level, including Doncaster, voted in favour of the resolution in the hope of progress, yet the collective weight of Community Club votes ultimately determined the result.

Throughout the consultation process, Doncaster Rugby Football Club has consistently reiterated one key message:

“In February 2020, Championship clubs suffered a significant funding cut of approximately 50%, followed shortly thereafter by a further reduction of around £150,000 due to the impact of Covid-19. At the time, we were informed that this second reduction was being applied across the RFU personnel and would be reinstated post-pandemic.

It has since become evident that while RFU staff and other sectors have seen their funding restored, the Championship has not. This is a matter of principle, and we find it unacceptable.

We understand the RFU’s belief that the newly formed Tier 2/Championship Board will enhance the commercial viability of the league—a position we support. However, it is our firm view that any commercial growth should be used to address the original funding reduction. The reinstatement of Covid-related cuts is a separate issue that must be resolved on moral and equitable grounds”.

As such, while this matter was not resolved through the recent process, Doncaster Rugby Football Club will continue to pursue this issue directly with the RFU and its leadership.

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Doncaster Rugby Football Club