Worcester Warriors’ owners search for ‘best solution’ as administration looms

The owners of Worcester Warriors say they are “working through a number of options” as they try to find the “best solution” to the Premiership club’s financial predicament – but their statement indicated not all of the options include rugby remaining at Sixways.

Worcester are reportedly on the brink of administration following a winding-up petition over unpaid tax being issued by HM Revenue & Customs last week.

The owners, Colin Goldring and Jason Whittingham, said they remain in ongoing discussions with HMRC, Premiership Rugby, the Rugby Football Union and the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport.

In a statement on Monday the owners said: “There has been much speculation and rumour circulating in the media and among our supporters about the future of Worcester Warriors.

“Over the past week a lot of work has been done away from the media spotlight to try to navigate the club through the challenges that we currently face. That work continues, discussions are ongoing and we are reviewing the options available to the club.

“We continue to work closely with HMRC, Premiership Rugby, the RFU and DCMS to find the best solution to the situation. We are very grateful for the support these organisations have shown to the club.

“We are now working through a number of options with our advisers. These include solutions for keeping rugby at Sixways and we will communicate further as soon as a decision has been finalised.”

Earlier on Monday, the England centre Ollie Lawrence said the legacy of the former Worcester owner Cecil Duckworth was “close to being tarnished” because of the current situation. The 22-year-old Warriors player called for answers and an end to the uncertainty during a series of social media posts.

Benefa