NEARLY 50 years of Worcester Warriors taking to the field at Sixways could be set to end in September, but after a day of revelations, here’s what we know so far…
Worcester Warriors is apparently no more
Jim O’Toole confirmed the end of the Warriors name in an interview with the BBC this morning.
“The sad fact of life is that the Worcester Warriors brand and the Worcester Warriors business is gone.”
“We’re starting afresh. We believe it is time for a new start. The church has closed down.”
However, the RFU has told the Observer any name change to ‘Sixways Rugby’ would have to be approved by the game’s governing body as would any relocation.
Any new club will NOT play Championship rugby…until at least 2026
Jim O’Toole and James Sandford had been given until Tuesday (February 14) to meet criteria laid down by the RFU to allow the club to enter the second tier of professional rugby in September.
But O’Toole revealed the Atlas consortium couldn’t sign the contract because of a ‘number of key clauses’ being insisted upon by the RFU.
‘Sixways Rugby’ will play at Sixways….or will it be Stourbridge RFC?
‘Sixways Rugby’ will align with Stourbridge RFC who will play games at Sixways from September, 23 miles away from their Black Country home.
Or will they? While Stourbridge confirmed the proposed tie-up ahead of an informal meeting for members tomorrow (Friday) the club’s director of rugby Neil Mitchell has told Talking Rugby Union any reports of the club playing at Sixways next season are ‘currently inaccurate’.
“We have fantastic facilities at Stourton Park and the opportunity is here to put Stourbridge Rugby Club firmly on the map, at the epicentre of rugby in the Black Country and beyond.
“We feel the additional support to our coaching, medical and playing infrastructure and investing in our future will bring rugby into new territory in our region.”
Wasps may well be moving in BUT not as part of a merger
The Daily Telegraph has reported the troubled former Coventry side are close to agreeing a deal to play Championship rugby at Sixways as tenants.
The club has not commented on the report but a spokesman said: “Wasps are working around the clock to meet RFU requirements and deadlines so that we can compete in the Championship for the 2023-24 season.
“We are making very positive headway on all key criteria and are confident of meeting Tuesday’s deadline. We have been in constant communication with the RFU and kept them informed of our progress.”
The end of Worcester Warriors COULD be blocked
City AM has reported the Department of Culture, Media and Sport is in talks to block the sale of Worcester Warriors to the Atlas consortium.
