Worcester players will be paid despite cancelling friendly

Worcester Warriors players and staff will be paid on time despite the Premiership Rugby side pulling out of a pre-season game against Glasgow, the club said on Wednesday.

Worcester were issued a winding-up petition over unpaid tax, reportedly worth more than six million pounds ($6.97 million) by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) this month.

"I'm pleased to say that we have secured funds. We will fulfil the terms of our players' contracts and pay them in full for August today," co-owner Jason Whittingham said in a statement.

"This is of course crucial in retaining our talented squad for this season."

Whittingham, however, added that non-playing staff will receive only 65 per cent of their monthly salaries, with the club working on a solution to pay the remainder within five working days.

The owners, who earlier said that the last two years had been extremely challenging due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the rise in the cost of living, are open to selling the club.

"We've narrowed down discussions to three motivated and credible buyers who have proven funds," said Whittingham.

Worcester, who finished 11th last season, are scheduled to kick off the new campaign against London Irish on Sept. 10.

($1 = 0.8607 pounds)