Slaughter and May undertook a review commissioned by a resolution of Council and made recommendations on the governance of the Rugby Football Union. The review covered the current corporate governance structures of the RFU as set out in the RFU rules and regulations and in particular:

• the relationship of the board and council;
• whether current practice complies with the rules and regulations;
• whether the rules and regulations and current practice comply with relevant legislation and guidance;
• the correct balance of powers of the relevant stakeholders, particularly of the board and council; and
• whether the rules and regulations and current practice are effective in delivering the necessary direction to the executive staff.

The review was informed by interviews and written submissions from a wide range of stakeholders and drew on best practice guidelines for UK-listed companies, recent codes of practice developed for the non-profit and sport and recreation sectors and a comparison with the governance arrangements at other national governing bodies in England and elsewhere.

On 21 November 2011 Slaughter and May delivered a report on the above, and its recommendations as to amendments to the RFU rules and regulations and current practice.

The Slaughter and May team was led by corporate partners Nigel Boardman and Elizabeth Holden, and the review will be presented to Council on December 2nd by Nigel Boardman.