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Warriors Women withdraw from Premiership Women's Rugby and Allianz Cup
Warriors Women have been withdrawn from the upcoming Premiership Women’s Rugby and Allianz Cup season. They were due to face defending champions Gloucester-Hartpury in the first round of the competition in just over a month’s time, and their upcoming Cup match against Bristol Bears has been cancelled.
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The club’s owners Cube International withdrew them from the competition and said in a statement from Andy Moss, the founder of Cube International: “It has been our privilege to support Warriors Women through the last season. Despite our best efforts we have had to make the emotionally challenging decision to withdraw from the league. We have confirmed to players and coaching staff that we will honour their salaries and expenses for September and October.”
Warriors Women finished sixth out of ten teams in last season’s Premier 15s competition (now Premiership Women’s Rugby) which included a draw against former champions Harlequins in their final league match.
They additionally recorded wins against Harlequins at the start of the season, Loughborough Lightning, Wasps, and DMP Sharks.
The club were awarded a conditional place in the league for the 2023/24 season alongside Sale Sharks Women in February of this year and announced a 10-year partnership with Cube International, which was conditional to them earning a place in the league.
At the time of the conditional place being awarded, Alex Teasdale, RFU Women’s Game Director said: “Worcester narrowly missed out on being awarded a place in the initial tender. The club’s circumstances are now changing and we believe it is only fair to also offer to work with them on a conditional basis to also continue to deliver elite rugby in the region.”
On the recent announcement of Warriors Women’s withdrawal from the league, Belinda Moore, Premiership Women’s Rugby CEO said: “We are deeply disappointed for staff, players and fans and applaud the hard work and dedication of those at the club and their supporters who helped Warriors Women to continue.
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“The RFU and PWR are working closely with all parties to establish a support fund for staff and players.”
