sport news RFU warn Worcester they will be suspended if they fail to provide proof they ... trends now
Worcester Warriors will be suspended from all competitions unless they provide the RFU with safety certification to stage matches at Sixways Stadium by midday on Friday.
English rugby chiefs at the RFU have written to the embattled Gallagher Premiership club, demanding proof of safety certificates to allow their matches to continue.
Worcester's Premiership clash with Exeter at Sixways on Sunday has now been cast into major doubt, unless the beleaguered Warriors owners produce the relevant documents without delay.
The RFU has demanded evidence of council safety certificates as well as medical cover, with Worcester running out of time.
Worcester owners Colin Goldring and Jason Whittingham claimed to have agreed terms on the club's sale, but rugby's authorities are yet to be convinced, with players and staff still in limbo.
'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 an RFU statement issued on Thursday night.
Worcester Warriors will be suspended from all competitions unless they provide the RFU with safety certification to stage matches at Sixways Stadium
RFU are demanding proof of safety certificates to allow their matches at Sixways to continue
'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.'
Worcester remain under threat of expulsion from all league competitions, should they be unable to produce satisfactory financing amid the continued and protracted talk of a sale.
The Warriors had to deny being forced into administration earlier on Thursday, after DCMS staff sent out a statement in error.
Now though, the RFU has moved to force the issue ahead of Worcester's slated meeting with Exeter, with both clubs' players still unsure whether the match will go ahead.
'All parties are concerned that the lack of available funds will not allow the club to hold matches safely for players and spectators, and for ongoing medical provision for players,' read the RFU statement.
Worcester confirmed that the club has not been placed into administration on Thursday
Worcester released a statement revealing that the letter was sent out in error by DCMS
'In particular, the local authority have not yet provided the club a General Safety Certificate to allow matches to be played at Sixways Stadium.
'All parties must balance the needs of the club to have time to raise funds to safely hold matches, with the need for certainty for supporters, players and support staff of all teams for the matches due to be held at Sixways Stadium this weekend.'
While an agreement has been reached between co-owners Colin Goldring and Jason Whittingham and the undisclosed investor, the
