England rugby chairman resigns amid payout controversy

Tom Ilube has resigned as chairman of the England Rugby Football Union after an outcry about executive payouts, leading to former grand slam captain Bill Beaumont to take the reins on an interim basis.

Community clubs in England were gathering support for a possible vote of no confidence in Ilube's leadership because of his role in determining the salaries of high-paid employees.

The clubs were particularly critical of chief executive Bill Sweeney receiving Stg 1.1 million ($A2.2 million) for the 2023-24 financial year, including a bonus of 358,000 pounds ($A719,000).

That came after the RFU announced in September it was cutting 42 jobs, and in November said it had suffered a record operating loss of 37.9 million pounds ($A76.1 million) in the year to last June.

Beside the resignation of Ilube, who was appointed in 2021, the RFU also announced an independent review of its executive pay scheme.

"I have decided to step down from my role as chair of the RFU as recent events have become a distraction from the game, but will stay on to ensure a smooth transition to a new chair as soon as one is in place," Ilube said in a statement released by the RFU.

Beaumont, the former RFU and World Rugby chairman, paid tribute to Ilube, adding: "We now must look forward and I hope I can help to unite the game and drive forward the game of rugby in England at both an international level and in the community game."