In this gripping episode of The Good, The Bad, and The Rugby, Alex, Hask, and Tins sit down with Bill Sweeney, the embattled CEO of the RFU, as he faces mounting scrutiny from every corner of England.
With an SGM looming, record financial losses, grassroots discontent, and criticism from players, fans, and referees alike, Sweeney breaks his silence. From the future of the Championship to the controversial bonus payments and the state of English rugby at all levels.
This is a critical conversation about leadership, and whether Sweeney and the RFU are fit for purpose in 2025 & beyond.
00:00 - Intro 01:41 – The Charges Against Sweeney 03:46 – Bill Sweeney Breaks His Silence 05:54 – Is the RFU Totally Broken? 11:23 – Life at the Top 14:22 – "Absolute Nonsense!" Sweeney Slams Spending Accusations 19:40 – Allianz Twickenham: The Biggest Rugby Deal Ever 23:28 – The Controversial Big Bonus 32:50 – Record Losses Explained 44:20 – Community Game Slashed – How to fix? 49:59 – Twickenham Ticket Prices: A Total Rip-Off? 56:56 – Time to Tear Up the Constitution? 01:00:00 – Are Premiership Clubs Still on the Brink? 01:01:32 – The Community Tackle Height Botch Job 01:06:37 – The Championship’s Last Hope? 01:11:46 – Listener Questions Answered! 01:19:20 – Will Bill Sweeney survive the SGM?
Welcome to The Good, The Bad & The Rugby with journalist and former broadcaster Alex Payne, England and Lions flanker James Haskell, and World Cup Winner Mike Tindall.
