RFU statement: Worcester set Friday deadline or face suspension

Troubled Worcester Warriors face suspension by the RFU if a deadline of 12 noon on Friday regarding their ability to safely hold matches at Sixways passes without the necessary safety assurances materialising.

A Worcester statement on Thursday morning insisted that the club was continuing to work closely with the Department of Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, the RFU and PRL to ensure that this weekend’s Allianz Cup and Gallagher Premiership matches against Harlequins women and Exeter Chiefs could respectively go ahead on Saturday and Sunday.

However, the continued failure of the proposed takeover of the club to be completed has now resulted in an RFU statement on Thursday evening warning that Worcester – who as it stands are still owned by co-owners Colin Goldring and Jason Whittingham – will be suspended at midday on Friday due to an inability to provide a general safety certificate which is necessary to allow matches to go ahead at Sixways.

The statement read: “The RFU, PRL and DCMS have been seeking assurances from the Worcester Warriors owners regarding funding and potential new ownership proposals for several weeks.

“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.

“All parties must balance the needs of the club to have time to raise funds to safely hold matches, with the need for certainty for supporters, players and support staff of all teams for the matches due to be held at Sixways Stadium this weekend.

“The RFU have written to Worcester Warriors to confirm they will be immediately suspended from all competitions, including the Gallagher Premiership, Allianz Premier 15s and Allianz Cup if assurances as to the ability to safely hold matches at Sixways Stadium are not provided by 12 noon on September 16.

“This includes evidence that the local authority has issued a general safety certificate and written confirmation of medical provision. Any suspension may be lifted once the club has more security of funding and is able to evidence its ability to hold matches safely.”