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RFU statement: The Worcester Premiership match versus Exeter
By
Liam Heagney
This Sunday’s Gallagher Premiership match between Worcester and Exeter at Sixways has been given permission by the RFU to proceed as planned. Saturday’s Worcester women’s cup match versus Haelquins will also be played.
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An RFU statement issued at 1:14pm on Friday read: “Worcester Warriors have met a midday deadline set by the RFU to provide assurances in relation to the receipt of a general safety certificate from the local authority and written confirmation of medical provision. Therefore, this weekend’s Gallagher Premiership and Allianz Cup matches will go ahead.
“We recognise this has been a difficult and uncertain time for all of Worcester Warriors players, staff and fans – as well as the opposition teams – we are pleased that the matter has been resolved. The RFU, Premiership Rugby and DCMS will continue to work with Worcester Warriors owners regarding funding and potential new ownership proposals in the coming days.”
It was Thursday night when an RFU statement initially warned that Worcester would be suspended at midday on Friday if they were unable to provide the general safety certificate necessary to allow matches to go ahead at Sixways. “The RFU, PRL and DCMS have been seeking assurances from the Worcester Warriors owners regarding funding and potential new ownership proposals for several weeks,” they explained
“All parties are concerned that the lack of available funds will not allow the club to hold matches safely for players and spectators, and for ongoing medical provision for players. In particular, the local authority have not yet provided the club with a general safety certificate to allow matches to be played at Sixways Stadium.”
With this 12:00 noon Friday deadline set, Worcester took to Twitter shortly before that cut-off point and posted: “We have been given dispensation from Premiership Rugby to delay the team announcement for Sunday until it has been confirmed whether the match will go ahead. We are working hard to ensure that everything is in place but we will update when we have more news.”
Around the same time, Exeter tweeted: “Our scheduled team announcement due for 12 noon has been delayed until 2pm. Further clarity over whether our game with Worcester is being sought with Premiership Rugby and other interested parties.”
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