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Worcester Warriors has been bought by a consortium led by former chief executives Jim O’Toole and James Sandford; The RFU has given Worcester and Wasps until February 14 to meet ownership requirements to be allowed to feature in the Championship for the 2023/24 season.
Last updated: 01/02/23 19:51
Worcester Warriors and Wasps have until February 14 to complete their respective takeovers
The RFU has issued Wasps and Worcester Warriors a “deadline” to meet the conditions that will allow them to compete in the Championship next season.
Wasps and Worcester were originally given December 12 to strike a deal, although the RFU have now extended that deadline to February 14.
The RFU have yet to approve Jim O’Toole and James Sandford’s Atlas consortium, who have been appointed as Worcester’s new owners, while they have confirmed that Wasps’ new owner has yet to fulfill all the conditions set.
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James Cole said the report from the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport committee was another indictment of the governance of England rugby.
In a statement, the RFU said: “The RFU has informed the new owner of Wasps RFC, and the administrator of WRFC Trading Limited (the main operating entity of Worcester Warriors RFC) that they have until February 14 to complete the negotiations and provide evidence that they have met the appropriate conditions set up.
“This is a significant extension to the original mid-December timeline to provide clubs with the best possible chance of qualifying for next year’s Championship. However, the final deadline must be set to provide certainty to Championship and National League clubs, players and other rugby stakeholders. through the format of the next season.
“In the case of Wasps, the RFU board conditionally approved the takeover, but not all the specified conditions have been met, including the lodging of the bond and the signing of the agreement that creates the new club for the appropriate conditions. must be completed by the deadline for the agreement to remain in place.
“The proposed purchasers of Worcester Warriors have told the RFU that they are not prepared to meet the conditions set out, which include a commitment not to dispose of the land around the Sixways Stadium without approval and that they cannot satisfy the RFU of resources and funding adequacy.
Worcester Warriors are hoping to be part of the Championship next season
“The RFU cannot confirm the suitability of the prospective owner. Therefore, the RFU board cannot approve the application. If the position changes within the deadline, the RFU will be able to reconsider whether the application can be approved, but if not, unfortunately, the RFU’s decision will remain the same. “
What’s next for Worcester?
Worcester and Wasps were suspended from the Gallagher Premiership at the start of the 2022/23 season, resulting in the top flight being reduced from 13 to 11 clubs, although both remain hopeful of a return to the second tier next season.
Begbies administrator Traynor said it was now possible to sell Worcester “after a complex process”, with former Worcester chief executive O’Toole and business partner Sandford having been accepted by the administrators.
Julie Palmer, partner at Begbies Traynor, said: “After a complex process, we are now able to progress the sale of Worcester Warriors and associated assets to Atlas Worcester Warriors Rugby Football Club Limited (“Atlas”).
“We can confirm that a contract has been exchanged with Atlas. This is an exclusive contract position, and Atlas is committed to completing this transaction as soon as possible and will share with the rugby community and the local community plans for the future of the club.
“Due to the confidential nature of this transaction, we are unable to provide this update in advance, but have valued the interest of supporters, staff and related organizations.
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Former England head coach Eddie Jones said in September he was concerned about the future of Worcester and Wasps
“We are delighted to see that there is a clear plan in place to deliver both rugby and many different community-focused initiatives to Sixways, befitting good facilities and which will entertain an extensive support base.”
What about Worcester Warriors Women?
Sale Sharks Women and Worcester Warriors Women have received conditional offers to join the Allianz Premier 15s league for the 2023/24 season, according to required information requested by the RFU.
Depending on the club’s sales, the Worcester Warriors Women’s team may operate alongside the men’s club, although the women’s team recently secured funding to continue operating independently.
Belinda Moore, CEO of Women’s Premier 15s LTD said: “These are exciting times for women’s rugby at all levels, and we are delighted to see the 10 clubs now progressing in their preparations to join the Allianz Premier 15s for next season.”
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