Speculation mounts over Ben Te'o's future at Worcester

Recent reports that Bath were interested in buying out the remainder of Ben Te’o’s contract at Worcester Warriors and bringing him to the club immediately were given fresh impetus this weekend, when reports in The Rugby Paper stated that the club was being put up for sale.

The report highlighted the growing financial losses that the club was having to shoulder and the lack of returns on the pitch that they had seen for that investment.

Worcester responded to this on Monday, issuing the following statement:
“The club can confirm it is always seeking further investment to support our existing shareholders and to ensure that the club continues to compete at the highest level in the years ahead.”

“This is part of our ongoing strategy and we are committed to finding the right partner to help take the club forward.”
“The club have not set any deadlines on finding the right investor and the shareholders will continue to support the club as they have done for many years.”

Sources have told RugbyPass that Te’o is happy at Worcester and wants to see out the remainder of his contract in the West Midlands, but if there are financial concerns at the club, could they seek to cash-in on the talented centre?

Injuries and international duty have prevented Te’o from hitting top gear yet for Warriors and an arm injury sustained in their season opener against Newcastle Falcons and the likelihood of further international involvement this season could tempt them into reaching an accord with Bath.

The West Country outfit started their season on Sunday with an impressive 27-23 victory over Leicester Tigers at Welford Road, but they are still believed to be interested in bolstering their midfield options.

Te’o would certainly add a new dimension to the Bath backline, but with the New Zealand-born England international happy where he is, it would likely take a sizeable contract, in addition to compensating Worcester, to lure him to the Rec.