Defiant Bill Sweeney refuses to apologise for RFU bonuses scandal and vows to stay until 2027

Sign up to our free sport newsletter for all the latest news on everything from cycling to boxing Sign up to our free sport email for all the latest news Sign up to our free sport email for all the latest news SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy A defiant Bill Sweeney has vowed to continue as chief executive of England’s Rugby Football Union until the 2027 Rugby World Cup even as he faces a revolt within the game over his tenure. open image in gallery RFU chief executive Bill Sweeney is determined to continue in his role “I’m certainly committed to go through to the end of this cycle which is the end of 2027. “We are financially secure and that allows us, for the first time ever, to make a commitment to the community game to spend £30m a year for the next four years, which is the first stage of a 10-year vision.” The chief executive also defended the underperformance of England’s men since the arrival of Steve Borthwick, insisting that the environment has changed since the Eddie Jones era despite the high-profile departures of defence coach Felix Jones and Aled Walters, head of strength and conditioning. open image in gallery England head coach Steve Borthwick, left, has been backed by RFU chief executive Bill Sweeney “We think the environment in that camp is a positive environment,” added Mr Sweeney, who does not believe that the ongoing noise around his position will impact the England players.