Premiership club's owners release statement amid financial crisis

UPDATE: Worcester’s owners have released a statement amid widespread rumours that the club will go into administration.

Last week it was revealed that the club was served with a winding-up petition over an unpaid tax bill just weeks before the start of the new Premiership season in England.

According to reports, Worcester’s total debt to HM Revenue and Customs runs into millions of pounds. Some have put the figure at £6-million.

On Monday, Worcester’s co-owners Colin Goldring and Jason Whittingham provided an update on the situation.

“There has been much speculation and rumour circulating in the media and among our supporters about the future of Worcester Warriors,” the statement said.

“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 advisors. These include solutions for keeping rugby at Sixways and we will communicate further as soon as a decision has been finalised.

“We are grateful to our staff, supporters, partners, sponsors and suppliers for their commitment, loyalty and support during what has been a difficult period for all involved in the club.

“We also greatly appreciate the messages of concern and support that we have received from across the rugby world and the wider sporting community.”