Warriors suspended for season and relegated

Worcester Warriors‘ seven-year stay in England‘s top-flight has been brought to an abrupt conclusion after their suspension from this season’s Premiership, and subsequent relegation, was confirmed by the RFU.

The decision was taken by the RFU’s Club Financial Viability Group “in order to prioritise the space and time to…[give] the club the best chance for a long-term sustainable future.”

It was widely expected that this would happen after the company responsible for paying the players’ wages was wound up at an Insolvency & Companies Court hearing on Wednesday.

In addition to four players who headed to Bath on loan on Monday, Duhan van der Merwe yesterday confirmed a move back to former club Edinburgh.

With the club no longer able to retain players and a deal still yet to be struck to buy WRFC Trading Ltd, the company that runs the operations of the club, it has been decided that Worcester must focus on their off-the-field priorities before making a return.

The suspension also means that their Premiership Cup campaign will also come to an end, though the women’s team may be allowed to operate.

The RFU statement read: “Following a meeting of the RFU’s Club Financial Viability Group today, the RFU can confirm the suspension of Worcester Warriors from the Gallagher Premiership and Premiership Rugby Cup for the remainder of the 2022/23 season.

“As the club no longer has staff and players on contract and with many seeking alternative employment, the decision has been made to focus on how the club can be viable over the long term.

“This is a complex situation and any potential investors and management will require due diligence and approvals from the RFU and PRL. A condition of any potential deal will include a requirement for the payment of all rugby creditors including any outstanding salaries owed to staff, players and coaches.

“The administrators are in discussions with several potential investors and it is expected they will also be planning for long term sustainability.”

The decision is subject to appeal.

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