English Rugby
RFU slam Baron outburst
ESPNscrum Staff
August 30, 2011
RFU chief executive Francis Baron, 'This is Rugby' Core Values Launch, Twickenham, England, September 23, 2009
Baron was at the helm of the RFU for 12 years © Getty Images
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Players/Officials: Francis Baron | John Steele
Tournaments/Tours: Rugby World Cup
Teams: England

The Rugby Football Union has reacted angrily to former chief executive Francis Baron's criticism of the organisation stating that his claims are "totally unfounded."

On Tuesday, Baron called for acting chief executive Martyn Thomas and five other board members to be charged with bringing the game into disrepute. The statement came in the build-up to the RFU's council meeting on Friday where it is expected that a motion will be posed asking for Judge Jeff Blackett's review of the organisation to be published. Blackett's 52-page document came in the wake of the John Steele's departure from the RFU.

In an interview with the Daily Telegraph - Baron suggested that the six should face a disciplinary hearing for "gross mismanagement" and allowing a "complete collapse in governance standards". And the RFU has reacted to Baron's proposal by releasing a statement slamming the former chief executive's allegations.

"The Rugby Football Union is disappointed by the continued criticism by the former Chief Executive, Francis Baron, whose latest remarks contain allegations that are totally unfounded and unworthy of a former Chief Executive with 12 years distinguished service," the statement read.

"As is widely known, the RFU Board and RFU Council are both meeting this Friday when a number of these issues will be addressed including whether to release the Blackett report.

"Following the meeting a formal announcement will be made by Paul Murphy, Acting Chairman of the RFU."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.

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