Scots back in pole for takeover of Worcester

By Neale Harvey
Worcester are set to agree a takeover by the Scottish Rugby Union after a bid from former Swindon Town FC chairman Jed McCrory failed.
The Rugby Paper revealed in September that discussions had taken place between Warriors and SRU chief executive Mark Dodson, with officials north of the border keen to establish a base for Scottish international players wanting to play in the Premiership.
Those talks were put on hold while Worcester tested the water for other bidders and it is understood McCrory emerged as the leading candidate, having been granted a period of ‘exclusivity' to complete a Sixways takeover.
However, that expired on Friday without agreement and, after putting the club up for sale in September, Warriors owner Greg Allen is now keen to conclude a deal with the SRU this week to put an end to the long-running saga.
A source close to Worcester's boardroom told TRP: “Jed McCrory was the man and it appeared nailed-on, but for whatever reason it's off.
“The Scots are keen to have an enclave in England, they have the necessary finance and it's a very interesting project for them. They have nothing outside Glasgow and Edinburgh and this is a logical way to broaden their player base.”
Scotland running a Premiership club would raise question marks over their commitment to the RFU's England Qualified Player Scheme.
However, our source said: “The RFU won't be impressed but there is no suggestion at this stage that the squad will be swamped by Scots.”
The SRU declined to comment.