The Worcester Warriors have been suspended from all competitions after failing to meet a Rugby Football Union deadline requesting proof of insurance cover and funding for their monthly wage bill.
The RFU, which imposed the suspension on Worcester with immediate effect, also wanted proof of a “credible plan to move the club forward” by 5pm on Monday.
But the crisis-hit Warriors have failed to meet those demands, and their season has now been thrust into cold storage, with Worcester’s men’s and women’s teams both suspended.
Worcester is saddled with debts totaling more than £25m, including at least £6m in unpaid taxes, amid growing anger felt at landlords Colin Goldring and Jason Whittingham, who have been charged with having stripped the club’s assets.
The RFU said: “The owners of Worcester Warriors have failed to meet the RFU’s 5pm deadline to prove insurance cover, availability of funds to meet monthly payroll and a credible plan to move forward. the club.
“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.”
Sixways Stadium in Worcester is now closed – staff were given until Monday afternoon to collect their belongings – with no indication of when or if it will reopen.
Culture Minister Stuart Andrew said last week that the government would send in professional advisers shortly to take a closer look at the club and potential options.
And putting the club into administration is a decision “which we will not be afraid to take” if it proves to be the most appropriate, added the minister.
RFU chief executive Bill Sweeney said: “We appreciate this is incredibly difficult news for the fans, staff and players.
“We would like to thank the staff and the players who have worked tirelessly over the past few weeks to allow the matches to continue.
“We met with the players and staff last week to explain why this action would be necessary, and unfortunately with no assurances in place we had to take this action to protect everyone’s best interests.
“We hope a buyer can be found 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 be examining the lessons of this situation to see what regulations can be put in place to provide all parties with more financial transparency.
“Rugby is a relatively young professional sport and it is widely recognized that clubs faced financial challenges even before COVID.
“Successful professional leagues are vital to the well-being of the game as a whole.
“They inspire current and future players, delight fans by showcasing high levels of skill and the exciting nature of our game. That’s why it’s so important that we continue to work with Premiership Rugby to improve the structure, the governance and business model of rugby union in England.
“The RFU will continue to support community rugby in Worcester and are fully committed to ensuring local academy opportunities are available to players in the lane.”
The RFU added that they will work with Premiership Rugby and DCMS (Department of Digital, Culture, Media and Sport) to establish the next steps for the club and what this will mean for the Gallagher Premiership, Men’s Academy and Allianz competitions. First 15s.