Worcester players reject ‘victims’ tag as kick-off is clouded by uncertainty

In times of crisis, gallows humour can provide some light relief and at Worcester Warriors of late there has been a sizeable dose of what is often prescribed as the best medicine. “If you don’t laugh, you will cry,” says back-rower Matt Kvesic, who admits players having to live on beans on toast is a running joke at the financially stricken club.

Steve Diamond, the club’s director of rugby, concedes there is an inevitable anxiety among the squad, who have been paid last month’s wages but, as they prepare for Saturday’s season-opening match at London Irish, have no idea if they will receive September’s pay packet.

Diamond insists that none of his players have required convincing to play on Saturday – “it’s a bit like getting a horse in the stalls. If you have to put a bag over its head, turn it round and send it in, you don’t want it racing, do you?” – and so far Kyle Hatherell is the only member of the squad who has expressed a desire to leave. They would all be forgiven for having second thoughts.

The risk of injury affecting future employment should Worcester be wound up in the coming weeks is clear and there is an acute sense that while the Warriors are determined to begin the season, getting anywhere near the end of it is an insurmountable hurdle unless fresh investment is forthcoming. That the hoarding at Sixways which advertises the Warriors’ next match remains blank feels ominous - even if there have been positive noises about a potential buyer more recently.

As ever, it is the players who bear the brunt at a time when the authorities give the impression they are closing their eyes and hoping for the best. Among them there is significant distrust in the current owners given the delay in wages being paid and