English Rugby
Clubs want Thomas out - report
ESPNscrum Staff
October 17, 2011
Martyn Thomas' position as RFU chief executive is coming under increasing pressure
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The Rugby Football Union (RFU) has reportedly been issued an ultimatum from clubs over Martyn Thomas' role as acting chief executive. According to The Guardian, the clubs have addressed 130 letters to RFU chairman Paul Murphy calling for Thomas to be removed from his position at a meeting next Wednesday. If their demand is not heeded, they will allegedly call a special general meeting the following day, at which they will table a vote of no-confidence in the former solicitor. "The bottom line is that Thomas has to go, not just as acting chief executive but as an RFU member of the IRB and the Six Nations," an RFU member told The Guardian. "Given what has gone on, he should also be made to stand down as chairman of Rugby World Cup 2015. Paul Murphy has been left in no doubt about that and it is up to the board to take the right decision." Thomas has already survived two votes of no confidence at RFU Council meetings but it is believed that he alienated a number of directors by refusing to consult the board over the decision to charge former England prop Fran Cotton with the task of leading a review of the national team's disappointing Rugby World Cup campaign. Indeed, The Guardian also claims that at Wednesday's meeting there will be a call to wind up the inquiry, which does not have the backing of either the Rugby Players Association or Premiership Rugby. © ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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