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RFU give update on 12 noon Thursday deadline set for Worcester
By PA
Saturday’s match between Worcester and Newcastle at Sixways will take place after the financially-stricken club met all the conditions set by the RFU to stage the Gallagher Premiership fixture. The governing body of English rugby confirmed that the Warriors 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.
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However, there remains a very real 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.
English rugby’s governing body originally issued a deadline last week regarding health and safety assurances surrounding the Worcester home match versus Exeter at Sixways, a deadline that was passed in time for permission to be granted and the fixture was played as scheduled.
With Worcester set to stage their second home match in the Premiership this Saturday when Newcastle visit, an RFU statement on Wednesday set the club a fresh deadline of noon on Thursday to provide the required information or that match will not be allowed to go ahead.
That permission has now been given but a second deadline of 5pm next Monday was also set by the RFU regarding insurance cover and the ability of Worcester to meet the September payroll. A statement at the time read: “All parties remain concerned that the lack of available funds will not allow the club to be sustainable over the long term. In particular, the RFU is aware that 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.”
