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Worcester have been suspended from all competitions with immediate effect after they failed to meet a Rugby Football Union deadline requesting proof of insurance cover and funding for the club’s monthly payroll.
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The RFU also wanted evidence of a “credible plan to take the club forward” by 5pm on Monday.
But the crisis-hit Warriors have not responded to those requests, and their season has now been plunged into cold storage, with Worcester men’s and women’s teams both suspended.
Worcester are burdened by debts totalling more than £25million, including at least £6m in unpaid tax, amid growing anger felt towards owners Colin Goldring and Jason Whittingham, who have been accused of asset-stripping the club.
The RFU said: “The owners of Worcester Warriors have not met the RFU’s 5pm deadline to evidence insurance cover, availability of funds to meet the monthly payroll and a credible plan to take the club forward.
“The RFU has therefore suspended Worcester Warriors from all competitions, including the Gallagher Premiership, Allianz Premier 15s, U18s Academy Cup and Allianz Cup with immediate effect.”
Worcester’s Sixways Stadium is now closed – staff were given until Monday afternoon to collect belongings – with no indication when, or if, it will reopen.
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Culture minister Stuart Andrew said last week that the Government will “imminently” send in professional advisers to take a closer look at the club and potential options.
And putting the club in administration is a decision “we will not be afraid to take” if it is found to be the most suitable, the minister added.
RFU chief executive Bill Sweeney said: “We appreciate this is incredibly difficult news for fans, staff and players.
“We would like to thank the staff and players who have worked tirelessly over recent weeks to enable matches to continue.
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“We met with players and staff last week to explain why this action would be necessary, and regrettably without assurances in place, we have had to take this action to protect everyone’s best interests.
“We hope a buyer can be secured to allow Worcester Warriors and The University of Worcester Warriors to return to professional league rugby.
“While it is the responsibility of each business owner to manage their individual finances, we will look at learnings from this situation to see what regulation can be put in place to provide all parties with more financial transparency.
“Rugby is a relatively young professional sport and it has been widely recognised that clubs have been facing financial challenges even before Covid.
“Successful professional leagues are vital for the wellbeing of the whole game.
“They inspire current and future players, delight fans by showcasing high skill levels and the exciting nature of our game. This is why it is so important that we continue to work with Premiership Rugby to improve the structure, governance and business model of rugby union in England.
“The RFU will continue to support community rugby in Worcester and is fully committed to ensuring local academy opportunities are provided for pathway players.”
The RFU added that it will work with Premiership Rugby and DCMS (Department of Digital, Culture, Media and Sport) to establish next steps for the club and what this will mean for the Gallagher Premiership, the men’s Academy and Allianz Premier 15s competitions.
Former Worcester player Andy Goode wrote: “Sad day for Worcester Warriors with the suspension from the Premiership. One crumb of comfort maybe that it drives the 2 cowboy owners out of the club and the stadium and surrounding land can be reclaimed into the club for the future owners hopefully.”
Sad day for @WorcsWarriors with the suspension from the @premrugby. One crumb of comfort maybe that it drives the 2 cowboy owners out of the club and the stadium and surrounding land can be reclaimed into the club for the future owners hopefully
— Andy Goode (@AndyGoode10) September 26, 2022
The RFU say they will work with Premiership Rugby and DCMS to establish the “next steps for the club and what this will mean for the Gallagher Premiership, the men’s Academy and Allianz Premier 15s competitions.”
Also some past players from last year who have moved on who haven't been paid past earnings. Shambles.
Utterly disgraceful. As does everyone, I feel for the staff at Worcs, especially the younger less established players and the off pitch staff.
I will admit I am very curious about what this will mean for the league this season. Firstly, what will become of the matches that were already played? Will any points gained from matches against Worcester be stripped? Will anyone set to still play Worcester get an automatic 4 or 5 points?
Additionally for those fixtures, will the entire league schedule shift, or will the team slated to play Worcs that week simply get an extra bye week? For example, Gloucester were set to play them this coming Saturday, so to they just have a week off now? I'd imagine the remaining 12 clubs will need answers soon.
Lastly, this just puts into perspective how absurd the move to expand to 14 clubs is. The league can't even hold on to 13, may even struggle at 12. My preference would be for two 10 team divisions at the top, Premiership with Championship straight below. 18 match season, 1 up, 1 down each season. Perhaps even ring-fence below the Championship.
Short of this though, a return to a 12 team league has to be a given at this point I truly hope that 14 is off the table, it's far too many, too many clubs, too many matches.