Worcester have been suspended from the Gallagher Premiership and the Premiership Rugby Cup for the remainder of the 2022/23 season.
The club’s future in the Premiership had been thrown into doubt after the club went into partial liquidation on Wednesday, with HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) pursuing unpaid taxes of around £6million. The club will then be relegated to the Championship for the 2023/24 season.
“Following a meeting of the RFU Club Financial Viability Group today, the RFU can confirm the suspension of Worcester Warriors from the Gallagher Premiership and Premiership Rugby Cup for the remainder of the 2022-23 season. “, said a statement from the governing body on Thursday. evening.
Wednesday’s decision ordered the liquidation of WRFC Players Ltd, a subsidiary of WRFC Trading Ltd through which players and certain staff are paid. A liquidation petition against WRFC Trading Ltd, which remains in administration, has been put on hold.
Club captain Ted Hill, Ollie Lawrence, Fergus Lee-Warner and Valeriy Morozov had previously joined Bath on loan. As a result of the latest decision, other players have had their contracts terminated, along with members of staff, which has seen British and Irish Lions winger Duhan van der Merwe return to former club Edinburgh .
Directors Begbies Traynor are looking for a buyer for WRFC Trading Ltd and talking to two consortia.
The RFU said the decision to suspend the squad would allow “space and time” to prioritize work to secure a deal for the club’s long-term future.
The RFU said the progress made by the administrators, particularly with regard to the pitch around Sixways Stadium, was encouraging.
“He has made the decision to suspend the team to prioritize space and time to work with Begbies Traynor to support the prospect of securing a deal with the right investor, giving the club the best chance for a long-term sustainable future,” the RFU statement continued.
“As the club no longer has staff and players under contract and many are looking for alternative employment, the decision has been made to focus on how the club can be viable in the long term.
“This is a complex situation and all potential investors and managers will require due diligence and approvals from the RFU and PRL (Premiership Rugby).
“A condition of any potential deal will include a demand for payment from all creditors to rugby, including unpaid wages owed to staff, players and coaches.
“The directors are in talks with several potential investors and are expected to also plan for long-term sustainability.”
If investors can be sure, Worcester will restart in the Championship for the 2023-24 season but can appeal the RFU’s decision if they can show there has been “no-fault insolvency”.
The RFU said it was also working with the directors and a potential investor to try to find a way to keep the University of Worcester Warriors women’s team in the Allianz Premier 15 for the remainder of the current campaign.
“However, given the club’s previously announced suspension, we can confirm that the University of Worcester Warriors Women’s Allianz Cup match against DMP Sharks on Saturday 15th October will not take place. An update on the position of future games will be given in due course,” the governing body added.