RFU statement: Premiership relegation confirmed for Worcester

The RFU has explained it will wait a few days before making a definitive decision on whether Worcester will remain suspended for the remainder of the 2022/23 season or can resume playing. However, as it stands, they will be relegated to the Championship for the 2023/24 season due to insolvency – unless convinced otherwise by the administrators.

The statement from the governing body of English rugby follows the decision on Wednesday at an Insolvency and Companies Court hearing to make an order winding up WRFC Players Ltd, the company that held player and some staff contracts at the club. Because they had not been paid for September, all players were able to leave on October 14 but this midweek liquidation has now brought their departure forward by nine days.

An RFU statement read: “The court has confirmed that WRFC Players Limited is now placed in compulsory liquidation. Therefore the contracts of players and a large number of staff who were employed by WRFC Players Limited are terminated and they are able to join other clubs.

“In relation to the men’s team playing in the Premiership this season, while the RFU continues to work with the administrators and potential buyers, due to the complexity of the situation, this currently appears unlikely. We expect to be able to make a definitive statement on this in the coming days and will work with Premier Rugby Limited to reshape the fixtures for the Gallagher Premiership if necessary.

“In the event a buyer can be secured for the club as a whole, because of the insolvency event suffered by the club, the men’s team suffer automatic relegation into the Championship. The administrators, on behalf of the club, have applied to have this relegation disapplied and this will be determined in due course.”

Worcester managed to play three matches, losing to London Irish and Exeter and then defeating Newcastle before their RFU suspension resulted in the cancellation of their games against Gloucester and Harlequins. They are next scheduled to play at Bristol on October 22.

RFU CEO Bill Sweeney said: “This is a very sad day for rugby in England. Our thoughts are with all of the Worcester Warriors players, staff and supporters. The RFU will continue to speak to the administrators and potential buyers during the course of the next 24 hours to understand the possibility of a buyer taking over the club in time for the men’s team to participate in the Gallagher Premiership during season 2022/23.

“We are also liaising with the administrators in relation to discussions with potential funders, which may enable the University of Worcester Warriors women’s team to continue in the Allianz Premier 15s even if the men’s team cannot continue to participate this season.

“The RFU will continue to support community rugby in Worcester and is fully committed to ensuring local academy opportunities are provided for pathway players.”