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RPA reveals players unable to terminate Worcester contracts
By Ian Cameron
The RPA have revealed that Worcester Warriors players are being left in contract limbo by the unique structure of the troubled club.
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Worcester were been suspended from all competitions with immediate effect after they failed to meet a Rugby Football Union (RFU) deadline requesting proof of insurance cover and funding for the club’s monthly payroll last Monday.
The club 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 RPA has now clarified that players are actually contracted to a separate company that is not in administration, unlike the rest of the club.
A statement from the players’ body reads: “Our members are currently in a position where WRFC Players Ltd, the company holding their contracts, is not in administration, whilst WRFC Trading Ltd (in administration) has entered the administration process.
“This situation leaves the players in a no-win scenario, with payday looming, the club suspended from competition, a winding up petition due to be heard next week and no ability to terminate their contract if they wish to pursue opportunities elsewhere. The directors of WRFC Players Limited, and as required the administrators of WRFC Trading Ltd (in administration), must provide clarity on what the proposed strategy is for WRFC Players Ltd as, without the players, there seems no viable long-term future for Worcester Warriors. This clarity must be provided urgently as this situation cannot continue.”
The RPA are now calling on the under pressure directors to make it clear what the intentions are regarding the separate company are.
“Whilst we acknowledge the work going on behind the scenes, we call on the Directors of WRFC Players Limited and all stakeholders to confirm their intentions with regards to WRFC Players Limited without delay.”
additional reporting AAP
my understanding is that they can terminate their contracts if wages are unpaid for over 2 weeks, is that information still up to date? does anyone know if wages are likely to keep being paid during the suspension?
A complete mess. The owners appear to have deliberately made the situation very complicated. The sooner they are out of rugby the better. They should never have been allowed to be part of it in the first place.