The West Midlands club were forced to cancel yesterday’s pre-season match against Glasgow in Inverness as they feared they could soon go out of business.
But within hours of that grim bulletin, it was confirmed that wages would be paid, stopping the exodus of players for at least another month.
Squad members were preparing to serve 14-day notice of their intention to leave the club on the grounds that there had been a breach of contracts, but that doomsday has been postponed for now.
Worcester Warriors have told their players they can only pay 65% of their outstanding salaries
At the same time, the employees have been told that the shortfall in their salary should be removed next week. With HMRC freezing the club’s bank accounts, it is understood that a local businessman has offered money for wages, the process being handled by an official receiver.
Current owners Colin Goldring and Jason Whittingham have contacted staff to broadcast news about their salaries and claim they have expressed optimism about a ‘rescue solution to continue defending the club without the need for administration’. has been updated.
But a union led by former chief executive Jim O’Toole, who believes they can save the Warriors, insists that the administration is the only option – to reduce the debt – and that the idea is not being shared by others in the club. shared by people.
The issue is now emerging as to whether Worcester can convince Premiership Rugby that they will be able to complete their league fixtures. With the official launch of the top flight at Twickenham today, the latest signs are that the PRL hierarchy is hopeful that a full, 13-team competition may be moving forward. However, contingency plans have been coming together in recent weeks to allow for the very real threat of the Warriors and limit the league to 12 clubs.
Happy times for the club as they celebrate their Premiership Rugby Cup victory in May 2022
Despite widespread pessimism, a bullish message was issued last night by Worcester’s owners about their survival and revival prospects. Whittingham said in a statement: ‘Over the past two weeks we have been considering every possible option that would keep Premiership Rugby at Sixway.
“We have narrowed the discussion down to three motivated and credible buyers who have proven funds. The priority is that the club survives.
Goldering said: ‘We continue to work towards a solution that will see Worcester Warriors play this season and for the season to come.’
Meanwhile, fly-half Hendre Pollard, Leicester’s World Cup winning Springbok recruit, is due to arrive at the club next week – after being ruled out of the remainder of the Rugby Championship with a knee injury.
He is likely to be out of action for six weeks.
