RFU statement: Wasps and Worcester in 2023/24

The RFU have updated the status of Wasps and Worcester regarding their respective situations for the 2023/24 after both clubs financially collapsed just a few rounds into the 2022/23 Gallagher Premiership. A statement read: “The RFU can confirm, following Tuesday’s deadline related to Championship applications, that Wasps has met the conditions and will have a place in next season’s Championship.

“Atlas, the buyers of Worcester Warriors, informed the RFU last week that it would not be continuing with its application for a place in the Championship and this position has not changed. Therefore, they will not have a place in the Championship next year.

“Wasps: The RFU has received the signed insolvency agreement and proof of funds. Wasps and the RFU have been working closely in recent weeks, particularly around the payment of rugby creditors, to establish a clear process for validation and payment of those rugby creditors.

“We will continue to work with and support the club over the payment of rugby creditors. The RFU and Wasps have agreed within the insolvency agreement that the payment of staff and players must be prioritised.

“Worcester Warriors: On Thursday, February 9, Atlas released a statement saying that they had withdrawn its application for Worcester Warriors men’s team to play in the Championship. The RFU and DCMS met with Atlas on Monday 13 February to see if there could be a different resolution to the situation. The Atlas position did not change, and therefore Worcester Warriors will not participate in the Championship in the 2023/24 season.

“The Atlas decision to withdraw their Championship application leaves the RFU with no regulatory means to enforce the payment of rugby creditors and this responsibility for managing the liabilities of the insolvent club now lies with the administrator of WRFC Trading Limited, and the liquidator of WRFC Players Limited.

“The RFU awaits the detailed proposals from Atlas on how it proposes to maintain rugby at Sixways, and will continue to work with DCMS, local MPs, Atlas and the local rugby community to help find the best rugby outcome. The RFU maintains its commitment to running the Midlands academy which it took over in November and the continuation of Worcester Warriors Women.”

RFU CEO Bill Sweeney, said: “Our goal has consistently been to see Wasps and Worcester in the Championship and preserve the clubs for their fans and the wider communities they serve.

“While we had hoped to see both clubs in the Championship next season, we are pleased that following months of work from all parties involved, Wasps will have a place. We know this will be very welcome news to all those connected with the club. We would like to thank all those involved with Wasps for the open and collaborative dialogue over recent months.

“We appreciate that the disappointment felt by Worcester Warriors staff, players and fans following the Atlas decision will be very significant. For a club to continue following insolvency, it is imperative that it has a sustainable and funded business plan, that there is transparency about ownership and funding structures, and that rugby creditors are paid.

“Payment of rugby creditors is an integral part of our insolvency regulations, and we cannot approve the takeover of a club without agreement that rugby creditor payments will be made. Given Atlas’s withdrawal from the process, we remain concerned that there are insufficient funds to pay rugby creditors which is a responsibility of the administrator of WRFC Trading Limited and the liquidator of WRFC Players Limited to determine.

“We will continue to work with Atlas over the coming weeks to understand their vision for rugby at Sixways. While the RFU is the regulator of rugby union, we have worked tirelessly to ensure we are making decisions that are best for the sport.”