The RFU has confirmed that Worcester Warriors have been suspended for the rest of the Gallagher Premiership season and will be relegated from the division.
The news come in the wake of Worcester seeing part of the club wound up due to financial issues on Wednesday, leading to the players and staff having their contracts terminated.
Worcester’s administrators Begbies Traynor are still seeking a buyer for the club and are understood to be in talks with two separate consortiums.
However, the RFU has now confirmed that they will not take part in any further Premiership games this season and will be relegated to the Championship due to insolvency.
Worcester are able to appeal the decision and are expected to do so on the grounds of extraordinary circumstances.
“Under RFU Regulations, Worcester Warriors will be relegated from the Gallagher Premiership, and therefore if investors can be secured, the club will restart in the Championship in season 2023-24. The club is able to appeal this decision if it can show there was no fault insolvency,” read a statement from the RFU.
“All parties continue to work together to provide the best possible outcome for Worcester Warriors over the long term.
“This includes discussions with the administrator and potential funders, which may enable the University of Worcester Warriors women’s team to continue in the Allianz Premier 15s this season, and we are fully committed to ensuring local academy opportunities are provided for pathway players.”
Premiership Rugby CEO Simon Massie-Taylor added: “Our priority is to find the best long-term solution for Worcester Warriors and we are encouraged by the progress the administrator has made in such a short period.
“However what is clear is that it will take much more time to get the right solution in place for the club. Whilst we appreciate this decision will be disappointing to many people close to Warriors, we value the certainty this decision brings to the other Premiership clubs.
“We will now continue to work with administrator, the RFU and other key stakeholders to find the best outcome.”
A spokesperson for Begbies Traynor also released a statement, saying: “Whilst disappointing that there will be no men’s rugby at Sixways this season I fully appreciate the position of RFU and PRL.
“I am reassured they are continuing to work with us in a positive way to try and achieve a rescue to enable rugby to take place next season in a properly structured approach to enable the long term viability and success of Worcester Warriors.”
Worcester played three games in this season’s Gallagher Premiership before their suspension, winning the last of those 39-5 against Newcastle Falcons on September 24.