Worcester’s game against Newcastle to go ahead after troubled club meet deadline
Worcester’s clash with Newcastle at Sixways on Saturday will take place after the financially-stricken club met all the conditions needed to stage the Gallagher Premiership fixture.
The Rugby Football Union has confirmed that Worcester have met the Thursday 12pm deadline for proving they are able to host their second home match of the season in the face of debts exceeding £25million.
However, there remains a very realistic possibility it will be their last match in the Premiership amid a warning from the RFU that they will be suspended from all competitions on Monday if they are unable to demonstrate a credible plan for lifting Sixways out of crisis.
🏟️ All criteria has been met for Saturday's match against @FalconsRugby to take place at Sixways.@WorcsWarriorsW's trip to Exeter is also confirmed.
Full details will be announced as soon as possible.#COYW #Together pic.twitter.com/DtKlRCXkUN
— Worcester Warriors (@WorcsWarriors) September 22, 2022
Worcester owners Colin Goldring and Jason Whittingham have until 5pm on September 26 to show that progress has been made on insurance, payroll and finding a new buyer.
If suspended after failing to satisfy these three criteria, they could then be permanently removed from all competitions.
“Whilst we appreciate that this will be unwelcome news, it is clear that the current state of affairs cannot continue, and in particular without the RFU and Premiership Rugby receiving these assurances,” the RFU said in a letter sent to the owners on Wednesday.
A lot on the order paper today but the most important debate for @WorcsWarriors will be the last – v grateful to the House authorities for recognising the urgency of this & giving me the first available slot for a backbencher pic.twitter.com/sF5TQWARvr
— Robin Walker (@WalkerWorcester) September 22, 2022
Goldring and Whittingham have been accused of asset stripping the club and have yet to finalise its sale to new owners despite repeated claims that a deal is imminent.
They have also been served with a winding-up order by HMRC, who are pursuing £6million in unpaid tax
Worcestershire MP Robin Walker wants the Government to intervene and will debate the matter in the House of Commons on Thursday night.