Worcester Warriors were taken over by Atlas after it ceased trading last year and the new owners confirmed they have withdrawn from their proposal to play in the RFU Championship for the 2023/23 season
By PA Media
Last Updated: 15/02/23 6:24pm
The Wasps will play in the Championship next season but Worcester will not
Wasps have been given approval to take part in the Championship next season but there is no late reprieve for Worcester following their proposed rebranding as ‘Sixways Rugby’.
While Wasps have met the conditions required to take part in the second tier of English rugby, talks held on Monday between Worcester’s new owners Atlas, the Rugby Football Union and the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport failed to break the deadlock.
Atlas announced last Thursday that the RFU’s demands for inclusion in the Championship were too onerous, forcing them to instead pursue a merger with semi-professional Stourbridge in the hope of competing in the fourth tier.
Wasps and Worcester were placed into administration earlier in the season after being pursued for unpaid tax by HM Revenue and Customs, resulting in their removal from the Gallagher Premiership.
Tuesday was the deadline for the clubs’ applications to join the Championship but while Wasps produced a signed solvency agreement and proof of funds, the RFU noted that Worcester’s course of action meant creditors would go unpaid.
The governing body also has misgivings over Atlas’ “transparency about ownership and funding structures”.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
The company which held Worcester Warriors Rugby Club player contracts has been wound up meaning a player exodus is likely as James Cole reports.
The company which held Worcester Warriors Rugby Club player contracts has been wound up meaning a player exodus is likely as James Cole reports.
“Our goal has consistently been to see Wa …