Thursday's Special General Meeting was a highly significant event for English rugby - a first SGM of its kind in 20 years and an opportunity for the game at all levels to hold the powers-that-be to account.

Certainly, that is how the RFU will feel. “I am pleased to see such a decisive outcome,” said interim chairman Bill Beaumont, he and the board’s backing of Sweeney seemingly vindicated. “I trust that those who supported this motion will honour and accept the result on this tonight and let’s work forward to make changes.

Bill Sweeney will on Thursday face a vote of no confidence that could leave the Rugby Football Union chief executive fighting for his Twickenham future.