WARRIORS will be kicked out of the Premiership, Allianz Premier 15s and Allianz Cup if they can’t provide evidence of funds to pay September’s salaries and a plan to take the club forward by Monday.
The stark warning has been issued by Rugby Football Union (RFU) chiefs who have imposed a deadline of 5pm on September 26 for the club to give assurances about its future.
Top-flight rugby chiefs at the RFU and at Premiership Rugby and the DCMS said they had been seeking assurances from current owners Jason Whittingham and Colin Goldring regarding funding and new ownership proposals for ‘several weeks’.
In a statement, the RFU paid tribute to Sixways staff for their hard work in providing the required information for last weekend’s games to go ahead. The same conditions for this weekend’s matches have been agreed by the RFU but Warriors have until midday tomorrow (Thursday) to guarantee they will be met before Newcastle Falcons travel on Friday (September 23)
“All parties remain concerned the lack of available funds will not allow the club to be sustainable over the long term,” the statement read.
“In particular, the RFU is aware insurance cover is only in place until midnight on Monday, September 26.
“Therefore the RFU has written to Worcester Warriors to confirm they will be suspended from all competitions, including the Gallagher Premiership, Allianz Premier 15s and Allianz Cup if the club cannot evidence insurance cover in place, availability of funds to meet the monthly payroll and a credible plan to take the club forward by 5pm on September 26.”
Co-owner Jason Whittingham confirmed at the weekend his hope the club were ‘48 hours’ away from an announcement of a new buyer but nothing has since been heard from the owners.
