Worcester get stay of execution as Newcastle match goes ahead

Worcester’s match with Newcastle at Sixways on Saturday will take place after the club met all the conditions needed to stage the Premiership fixture.

The Rugby Football Union confirmed Worcester have met the Thursday 12pm deadline for proving they are able to host their second home match of the season in the face of debts exceeding £25m.

However, there remains a realistic possibility it will be their last match in the Premiership after a warning from the RFU that Worcester will be suspended from all competitions on Monday if they are unable to demonstrate a credible plan for lifting the club out of crisis.

Worcester’s owners, Colin Goldring and Jason Whittingham, have until 5pm on Monday to show that progress has been made on insurance, payroll and finding a new buyer. If the club is suspended after failing to satisfy these three criteria, they could then be permanently removed from all competitions.

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“Whilst we appreciate that this will be unwelcome news, it is clear that the current state of affairs cannot continue, and in particular without the RFU and Premiership Rugby receiving these assurances,” the RFU said in a letter sent to the owners on Wednesday.