Worcester’s daily struggle for survival will be extended into the weekend after the Warriors received assurances from Rugby Football Union that they could host Saturday’s planned clash against Newcastle.
But this Gallagher Premiership game is likely to be the club’s last – at least for a few weeks – as calls for entry into administration grow louder.
On Wednesday, the RFU stepped up plans to ban the financially strapped Warriors from all competitions unless they could get the necessary planning underway for the Newcastle game.
They did it, but Worcester now looks highly unlikely it can meet another RFU deadline.
By 5pm on Monday they have to prove to the English Rugby Union that they have proof of appropriate insurance and are able to pay outstanding wages to staff.
Sportsmail understand the club won’t be able to do that if the probable outcome is early next week. The prospects for the Warriors are bleak.
Club owners Jason Whittingham and Colin Goldring have claimed since last Friday they are close to sealing a sale of Worcester that would secure his future.
Owners Jason Whittingham (left) and Colin Goldring (right) have been slammed by Worcester Warriors fans, players and staff alike for constantly breaking promises
Fans have railed against the owners while showing immense support for the team
But no such deal took place. Whittingham and Goldring have long since lost all support from Worcester’s players, backroom staff and loyal fans.
On Thursday afternoon, Worcester MP Robin Walker will step up his attempts to save his hometown club by appearing in Parliament, where he will plead for the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport to help force the Warriors into administration .
“It is very clear that there are investors who want to take the club forward, but they have now made it clear that this will only happen through an administrative process,” Walker told BBC Hereford & Worcester.
“We need to make sure the staff and players have the right support and they’re not getting that from the current owners and directors at the moment.”
A mismatched Warriors team of kids and veterans was fielded against Gloucester on Wednesday
The majority of Worcester’s support staff have still received just 65 per cent of their August salaries but they continue to work wonders in the face of extraordinary circumstances to ensure the club’s rugby operations continue.
It remains unlikely that they can continue on Saturday. The duty remains on Whittingham and Goldring to complete a sale as quickly as possible.
“It’s a terrible situation and we need to fix it quickly,” Walker added.
“I will be having a debate in Parliament today to address the situation and urge DCMS ministers to take action and say enough is enough.
“We must take action to save this club and ensure people are paid properly. Staff and players have moved heaven and earth to ensure they can live up to their rugby commitments. But we need to make sure they have the right support and they just don’t seem to be getting that from the owners and directors at the moment.
“I definitely want to highlight how tremendously important this club is to the entire community and what action we must take to save it.
The future of the Worcester Warriors was in doubt at what was an extremely difficult time for the club
“Local MPs and I called for an administrative process a few weeks ago to move it forward. It is quite clear that there are investors interested in moving into and supporting the club.
“But they knew that this could only happen through an administrative process. I want the government to step in and start this administrative process because I think this is the best way to save the club now.
“But DCMS have clearly always said that keeping the club running is their priority and their only concern in terms of administration has been that it could lead to the club’s dissolution.
“Obviously nobody wants that, but I think the fact that there are a number of investors interested in moving it forward gives me confidence that a management process can help the club.
“People are very, very concerned. This is a huge common good and the livelihood of many, many people.
“People worked there on reduced wages and worked up the courage to be able to put on games. We all want it saved and the whole club and property around it held together.’
announced on Tuesday that Whittingham and Goldring took out a £500,000 loan from Worcester legend Cecil Duckworth on his deathbed and have still not repaid the sum.
Sportsmail broke the news that owners Colin Goldring and Jason Whittingham have borrowed £500,000 from Cecil Duckworth and his family have not repaid them since his death
The story aroused further anger among the current Worcester owners. Worcester’s Twitter account even retweeted Wednesday night
Duckworth story.
Walker confirmed he has not spoken to Whittingham or Goldring in the last week.
“Warriors have been a part of my life for as long as I can remember, and they are a part of so many people’s lives. We’re very proud of that and this is about Duckworth’s legacy,” he added. “This is someone who gave Worcester so much. We all owe it to his legacy to preserve this and keep this club there.
