THE FUTURE of Worcester’s womens rugby team has been secured after a long-term agreement with local business Cube International.
It’s hoped the 10-year deal will kick in if the club can retain a place in the relaunched Allianz Premier 15s for which the club has applied or a place in.
Sports events and retail experts Cube International initially acquired Warriors Women on an interim basis last year to allow the team to complete its current campaign.
Inspired by the shared desire to create an independent and sustainable women’s rugby team which can inspire future generations, a long-term investment was required.
Under the terms of the deal Warriors Women intend to continue competing at Sixways as an independent business.
However the new owners have expressed a desire to have a close relationship with the men’s team, which will be explored following the outcome of the preferred bidder process.
The club also continues positive discussions with the RFU for one of the remaining places in the Allianz Premier 15s, which is crucial to Warriors Women’s ambitions.
Operations director Josh Payne and director of rugby Jo Yapp will lead the drive for a sustainable future with Payne becoming managing director.
Meanwhile Yapp will focus on the team’s on-field performance which has seen the team climb to fifth in the league as it rises from the ashes of administration.
In the coming weeks, Warriors Women will outline its vision for the club’s future at the heart of the Worcester community and confirm new commercial opportunities.
Andy Moss, founder and chairman of Cube International, said: “When we stepped in last year to acquire the team on an interim basis, it was clear the team had huge potential, with a talented playing squad and passionate people running the day-to-day business.
“The team needs to secure a place in the Premier 15s to help us to achieve our ambitions, and we will continue to make a strong case to the RFU on that basis.
“Our ambition is to engage local businesses to collaborate and share ownership of a club that has an amazing future both on the pitch and commercially.”
Payne added: “It’s been a long road to get to this point, and I want to thank Cube International for their invaluable support every step of the way.
“On the pitch, the team has performed strongly in the face of adversity, and I’m delighted we can reward their efforts with a clear plan for the future.
“We continue to be thankful for the support of the Warriors Family at Sixways and we’re already hard at work laying the long-term foundations for our future success.”
