Worcester Warriors face suspension as RFU issue Friday ultimatum

Worcester will be suspended from all competitions unless club chiefs provide the Rugby Football Union with safety certification to stage matches at Sixways Stadium by midday on Friday. English rugby chiefs have written to the embattled Gallagher Premiership club, demanding proof of safety certificates to allow Warriors matches to continue.

Worcester's Premiership match against Exeter at Sixways on Sunday has now been cast into major doubt, unless the beleaguered Warriors owners produce the relevant documents without delay. The RFU has demanded evidence of council safety certificates as well as medical cover, with Worcester running out of time to satisfy the English game's bosses.

Worcester owners Colin Goldring and Jason Whittingham have claimed to have agreed terms on the club's sale, but rugby's authorities remain yet to be convinced with players and staff still in limbo. "The RFU has written to Worcester Warriors to confirm they will be immediately suspended from all competitions, including the Gallagher Premiership, Allianz Premier 15s and Allianz Cup if assurances as to the ability to safely hold matches at Sixways Stadium are not provided by 12 noon on 16 September," read an RFU statement issued on Thursday night.

"This includes evidence that the local authority has issued a General Safety Certificate, and written confirmation of medical provision. "Any suspension may be lifted once the club has more security of funding and is able to evidence its ability to hold matches safely.