Worcester Warriors: Premiership club suspended for season and relegated

Financially stricken Worcester Warriors have been suspended for the rest of the Premiership season and will be relegated from the top tier.

The decision was taken by the Rugby Football Union’s club financial viability group to give time to find an investor and the “best chance for a long-term sustainable future”.

Worcester players and staff had their contracts terminated on Wednesday when part of the club was wound up.

The club can appeal against the RFU ruling.

To be successful, the Warriors would need to show that there was no fault for their insolvency.

As well as having their Premiership campaign ended, they have also been kicked out of the Premiership Rugby Cup – a competition they won last season.

“As the club no longer has staff and players on contract, and with many seeking alternative employment, the decision has been made to focus on how the club can be viable over the long term,” the RFU said in a statement.

“The decision also gives certainty to clubs to protect the integrity of the Premiership and allow their teams to plan for the rest of the season.”

It added that administrators Begbies Traynor “are in discussions with several potential investors and it is expected they will also be planning for long-term sustainability”.

The RFU also said work is ongoing with an unnamed potential investor to ensure the University of Worcester Warriors women’s team can continue competing in the Premier 15s for the remainder of the season. However, their Allianz Cup tie against DMP Sharks on 15 October will not go ahead.