Worcester Warriors suspended from all competitions after missing RFU deadline
Crisis-hit club is burdened by debt

Worcester Warriors have been suspended from all competitions with immediate effect after they failed to meet a Rugby Football Union deadline requesting proof of insurance cover and funding for the clubās monthly payroll.
The RFU also wanted evidence of a ācredible plan to take the club forwardā by 5pm on Monday.
But the crisis-hit Warriors have not responded to those requests, and their season has now been plunged into cold storage, with Worcester menās and womenās teams both suspended.
Worcester are burdened by debts totalling more than £25m, including at least £6m in unpaid tax, amid growing anger towards owners Colin Goldring and Jason Whittingham, who have been accused of asset-stripping the club.
The RFU said: āThe owners of Worcester Warriors have not met the RFUās 5pm deadline to evidence insurance cover, availability of funds to meet the monthly payroll and a credible plan to take the club forward.
āThe 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.ā
Worcesterās Sixways Stadium is now closed. Staff were given until Monday afternoon to collect belongings, with no indication when, or if, it will reopen.
Culture minister Stuart Andrew said last week that the government would āimminentlyā send in professional advisers to take a closer look at the club and potential options.

Putting the club into administration is a decision āwe will not be afraid to takeā if it is found to be the most suitable, the minister added.
RFU chief executive Bill Sweeney said: āWe appreciate this is incredibly difficult news for fans, staff and players.
āWe would like to thank the staff and players who have worked tirelessly over recent weeks to enable matches to continue.
āWe met with players and staff last week to explain why this action would be necessary and, regrettably, without assurances in place, we have had to take this action to protect everyoneās best interests.
āWe hope a buyer can be secured to allow Worcester Warriors and the University of Worcester Warriors to return to professional league rugby.
āWhile it is the responsibility of each business owner to manage their individual finances, we will look at learnings from this situation to see what regulation can be put in place to provide all parties with more financial transparency.
āRugby is a relatively young professional sport and it has been widely recognised that clubs have been facing financial challenges even before Covid.
āSuccessful professional leagues are vital for the wellbeing of the whole game.
āThey inspire current and future players, delight fans by showcasing high skill levels and the exciting nature of our game. This is why it is so important that we continue to work with Premiership Rugby to improve the structure, governance and business model of rugby union in England.
āThe RFU will continue to support community rugby in Worcester and is fully committed to ensuring local academy opportunities are provided for pathway players.ā
The RFU added that it would work with Premiership Rugby and the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS) to establish the next steps for the club and what this would mean for the Gallagher Premiership, the menās Academy and the Allianz Premier 15s competitions.
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