Calls for talks to resume to bring elite rugby to Sixways under the Worcester Warriors banner
It comes after club owners Atlas revealed plans to rebrand and merge with Stourbridge RFC
MPs and council leaders are urging the owners of Worcester Warriors to get back round the table with the Rugby Football Union to bring the elite game back to Sixways.
It comes after Atlas announced they are no longer aiming for Championship rugby next season, and will instead merge with Stourbridge RFC under a new name "Sixways Rugby".
Jim O’Toole and James Sandford, who head up the consortium, said they had to pull out of talks with the RFU because of conflict around the conditions and commercial restrictions being imposed.
Robin Walker, MP for Worcester, said he'd been due to meet with the RFU in order to urge further dialogue with the club’s new owners.
He said he has now written to Department for Culture, Media and Sport ministers to pass on the concerns of many people who want to see professional rugby under the Worcester Warriors banner back at Sixways.
Mr Walker said: “Breaking the link between Sixways and Worcester does not seem an obvious way to go about supporting that. There are tens of thousands of rugby fans in and around Worcester and I would urge anyone looking to the future of Sixways to engage with them, hear their views and make sure we can move forward together.”
“I will meet with the new owners to ensure I fully understand their plan for rugby and how these relate to their wider plans but I will also be asking the questions that my constituents rightly want answers to.
"I am glad to have had assurances from the RFU about their ongoing support for the academy and the women’s side who will be playing in the Premier 15s next year, but I have urged them to leave the door open to Atlas to engage on championship rugby and I will urge Atlas to walk through that door to speak with them.”
Councillor Adrian Gregson, Mayor of Worcester said “The links between Worcester Warriors and Sixways are a crucial part of Cecil Duckworth’s legacy for the city. Breaking that link would be a backward step. I hope Worcester’s place in the top tiers of the professional game can be maintained in the interests of Worcester and of rugby.”
Councillor Simon Geraghty Leader of the County Council said: “Professional rugby has become a key asset for the County and we are keen to see that re-established as soon as possible.”
Councillor Chris Mitchell, Leader of Worcester City Council said: “Professional rugby at Sixways is at the heart of Worcester City and Worcester residents will be hugely disappointed at the news we have heard from Atlas today. The return of professional rugby to Sixways is vital to the city and anything the council can do to support that we will.”
In a statement, the Rugby Football Union said: "The RFU has been clear that its priority was to enable Worcester Warriors to play in the Championship and Worcester Warriors Women in the Premier 15s in a sustainable way.
"The information required has been asked for repeatedly and deadlines were extended to provide the best possible chance for this to happen.
"The RFU will now consult with the local rugby community over the proposed relocation of Stourbridge RFC and the change of name.
"Our priority is to ensure the best interests of rugby and the rugby community are preserved.
"The RFU maintains its commitment to running the Midlands academy which it took over in November and the continuation of Worcester Warriors Women."
The relocation of Stourbridge RFC and change of name do require RFU approval.