Worcester Warriors owner gives Monday deadline to avoid Premiership suspension | News about Rugby Union
“RFU has written to the Worcester Warriors to confirm that they will be suspended from all competitions if the club is unable to present proof of insurance in place, the ability to provide funds to meet monthly payroll and a credible plan to move the club forward, by 5 p.m. September 26”
Last Updated: 9/21/22 3:07 pm
Worcester Warriors have been given a deadline of Monday to show money, insurance and plans for the future or face suspension
The RFU has given Worcester Warriors owners a deadline of Monday, September 26 to provide proof of salary fund, insurance and plans for the future, or else the club will be suspended from all competitions.
The suspension will include Worcester’s participation in the Premier League, Worcester Women’s Warriors in the Premier 15s, and all appearances in the Allianz Cup.
The financially struggling club met a deadline last Friday to be allowed to complete the home game against the Exeter Chiefs but head coach Steve Diamond warned after the game that a the line must be drawn somewhere.
The RFU previously said it would continue to work with Worcester’s owners on funding and potential takeover proposals with debts of up to £25 million and many players and staff still unclaimed. their full August salary.
They have now given Worcester a certain deadline to meet about their future.
“RFU, Premiership Rugby and DCMS have been seeking assurances from Worcester Warriors owners regarding funding and potential new ownership proposals over the course of several weeks.
The Warriors gave a deadline last Friday to ensure their game weekend vs Exeter will go ahead.
“We’re grateful to the staff at Worcester Warriors for their hard work to be able to provide the information needed to get the game going this weekend and into next week.
“The RFU has set the same conditions for this weekend’s matches to take place as it did last weekend. These conditions must be met by noon on Thursday 22 September in particular Newcastle. The Falcons will go on Friday, September 23.
“However, all parties remain concerned that the lack of available capital will not allow the club to develop sustainably in the long term.
“In particular, the RFU is aware that coverage is only available until midnight on Monday, September 26.
“Therefore, the RFU has written to the Worcester Warriors to confirm that they will be suspended from all competitions, including the Gallagher Premiership, Allianz Premier 15s and Allianz Cup if the club cannot prove payment. insurance in place, the financial ability to meet the monthly salary, and a reliable plan to move the club forward, by 5pm on September 26.”
Head coach Steve Diamond admitted at the weekend he wasn’t sure how long the players and staff could keep going
Diamond: I don’t know how long we can keep going; Venter: It’s tough mentally playing the squad
Diamond said after Sunday’s 36-21 defeat to Exeter at Sixways: “I don’t know how long we can go on with this because I’ve been told that talks are going on behind the scenes but I don’t join them.
“In the professional age, there’s no need for a rugby director to deal with a situation like the players who haven’t been paid August.
“There is a limit to the number of times a player or staff member can refuse goodwill without pay, and no one can work without internet and warm with winter around the corner.
Worcester captain Francois Venter admits the situation is “mentally difficult” for the team
“We hope to complete the match against Gloucester on Wednesday. We would like to bring in a few players on loan but at the moment we cannot afford to pay the RFU the appropriate amount.
“I hope the money we took today can be put to use and not disappear into the black hole like we are now.
“Actually, I don’t know how long we can go on with the application expiring at the end of September, a line has to be drawn somewhere.”
Warriors captain Francois Venter added: “What’s going on in the background is very difficult mentally but hopefully it will sort out.
“We still don’t know the position but it would be very upsetting if it was our last game on this field.”
