Worcester Warriors: club withdraws plans to play in Championship and rebrands as Sixways Rugby
It's the end of an era for Worcester Warriors.
Last updated 9th Feb 2023
Worcester Warriors will be renamed Sixways Rugby as its owners confirm the club will not feature in next season's Championship.
The beleaguered club had been given until February 14th to meet the terms set by the Rugby Football Union.
However, Jim O’Toole and James Sandford, who head up ownership group Atlas said they had to pull out of talks with the RFU.
Mr O'Toole said amongst the points of conflict were the conditions and commercial restrictions imposed by the RFU.
The club will now partner with fourth-tier side Stourbridge instead, who will play the rest of the season at Sixways stadium.
Miles Edge is the Chairman of Stourbridge Rugby Club and speaking to Free Radio he said: “Everyone knows rugby is struggling there is a backlash from Covid, anything we can to promote and reinforce it has to be good for every club in the country."
"These sorts of opportunities do not come every day, and when they do come you have to pursue them."
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.Â
"The RFU will now consult with the local rugby community over the proposed relocation of Stourbridge RFC and the change of name.Â
"Our priority is to ensure the best interests of rugby and the rugby community are preserved.Â
"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.