Worcester Warriors given time till Friday to prove games can be safely hosted at Sixways Stadium
Worcester Warriors can be banned from all competitions if they fail to provide safety certification to stage matches at Sixways Stadium
©Steve Haag
The Rugby Football Union has issued a warning to Worcester Warriors to prove by Friday that they can safely host games at Sixways Stadium or they will be suspended from competitive rugby.
A failure to provide a safety certification will mean that the club can be banned from all competitions marking a huge uncertainty over their future.
Earlier, the club owners revealed that they have agreed to the terms of sale for the buyer and the funding will be injected very soon but the England board has given them time until midday on Friday to complete the necessary formalities taking into account the safety of the competition along with the players and staffs involved.
"The RFU has written to Worcester Warriors to confirm they will be immediately suspended from all competitions, including the Gallagher Premiership, Allianz Premier 15s and Allianz Cup if assurances as to the ability to safely hold matches at Sixways Stadium are not provided by 12 noon on 16 September" read a statement from RFU.
"This includes evidence that the local authority has issued a General Safety Certificate, and written confirmation of medical provision.
"Any suspension may be lifted once the club has more security of funding and is able to evidence its ability to hold matches safely.
"The RFU, PRL and DCMS has been seeking assurances from the Worcester Warriors owners regarding funding and potential new ownership proposals for several weeks."
On Thursday, the club denied being forced into administration after DCMS staff sent out a statement in error but they still have an uphill task following the latest statement from the RFU.
The latest scenario also casts a huge doubt on Worcester's first home game of the season against Exeter Chiefs which has been scheduled on Sunday at the Sixways Stadium.
