Rugby Union: Reform Group calls truce

THE PROSPECT of another damaging outbreak of political argy-bargy receded last night when Fran Cotton and his Rugby Football Union Reform Group called off next month's Special General Meeting of the governing body. Cotton was recently elected to the RFU management board as chairman of the newly constituted "Club England" and his appointment, along with that of Bill Beaumont and Malcolm Phillips as England's representatives on the International Board, persuaded the rebels to declare a truce.

Peter Trunkfield, the diplomatic president of the RFU, was as relieved as anyone at the news that the Reform Group's proposed vote of no confidence in the management board would not now go ahead. "One of my wishes as president was to enjoy a year of peace and harmony and I believe that is how we will end the season," he said.

Martyn Thomas, the Reform Group chairman, said the recent changes in management board personnel were positive steps. "We feel the composition of the new board meets the points we wished to raise at the SGM," he said.