Worcester Warriors: club will not change it's name
New Warriors owners Atlas announced the agreement in a meeting with supporters.
Last updated 19th Feb 2023
Warriors owners Atlas - a consortium led by Jim O'Toole and James Sandford - held a meeting with supporters at Sixways today (Saturday) to discuss the club's future.
Mr O'Toole, former chief executive at Warriors, told the crowd of around 550 fans that despite earlier suggestions of a rebrand, Worcester Warriors will keep its name.
He also confirmed that semi-professional side Stourbridge RFC will become Warriors next season, subject to a vote by its members.
There had been talk of letting Wasps use Sixways for the next three years, but Wasps have come out and said no agreement has been signed and they remain in discussion with potential venues.
The plan, Mr O'Toole, added was to invest in the side, lending players from Wasps, and move up the leagues to the Championship within five years.
Worcester Warriors went into administration in September 2022, with debts of more than £30million.
Explaining the administration process, and why Atlas could not agree terms with the RFU to allow Warriors to play in the Championship, Mr O'Toole stated that they would have had to pay rugby creditors within 28 days.
He told fans they had offered to pay creditors, but had asked to do so within two years to allow for due diligence on all claims. The RFU refused that, he said.
As well as outlining the make up of the new board at Sixways, Mr O'Toole said that neither he nor Mr Sandford would be involved in the "day-to-day" running of the business.
Worcester Warriors Women have agreed, in principle, a five-year deal to remain at Sixways. Mr O'Toole also said they were in discussions about Worcester Raiders continuing to play their matches at the stadium long-term.
O'Toole: "the club lives on"
Continuing his presentation, Mr O'Toole described the wider business model for Sixways moving forward. He said the aim was to create "a sustainable business, not dependent on one person's deep pockets".
Among the proposals are plans to build a 4-star hotel and a medical diagnostics centre.
Sixways will also host a number of special matches between police and armed forces teams, as well as Warriors and Wasps legends, said Mr O'Toole. Music concerts and black tie events would bring in additional revenue, he added.
After setting out Atlas' position, the floor opened up to questions from supporters.
One fan asked: "What happens if Stourbridge say no?"
James Sandford, founder and CEO of Atlas, said that he was "confident" Stourbridge RFC would agree to the proposals, but if they don't, Warriors will go "down the pyramid" to search for an alternative team.
Another supporter asked why Warriors wouldn't look to partner with neighbouring side Worcester RFC. In response, Jim O'Toole described the proposal with Stourbridge as "compelling".
There were a number of questions concerning who the investors at Sixways were and whether they will have equity in the club. Mr Sandford said he was currently unable to comment on financial details, but added the information would be published in their accounts in due course.