Debt-crippled Worcester are resigned to being suspended from all competitions and have told staff they have until 4.30pm to collect personal belongings from Sixways. Worcester have been left batting financial problems following the damning effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Warriors scored a hugely emotional 39-5 win over Newcastle on Saturday, knowing it would be their last game. The club faces administration and an uncertain future.
Team boss Steve Diamond seemed to wave an emotional goodbye on Saturday, as he tweeted: "It's been some ride with the Warriors. Loved every minute. Good night from me." As well as the coaching staff, the playing quota at Worcester also took to social media following their victory at Sixways.
Their openside flanker, Matthew Kvesic tweeted: "Very proud to be part of this club, especially with how we’ve handled the last few weeks. Thank you to everyone who came to support & massive thanks to the staff for selflessly working.
"Hopefully not the last… but the start of a new beginning," whilst prop Murray McCallum added: "Unbelievable set of people here in Worcester. That was fullé beast."
Amid the Warriors' troubles, Premiership Rugby chief executive Simon Massie-Taylor has called for clubs to be more open with league officials regarding their finances. He said: "We need to get better visibility of club finances. It has always been a thing where Premiership Rugby hasn’t had full oversight.
We can administer the salary cap but beyond that, we haven't got a clear picture so I am flying blind on a number of these things. The clubs are willing and with that we can have a proper understanding of our ecosystem and that will help find potential future investment at club level, it helps us on the commercial front and also sets an appropriate cost base for everyone as we manage our way out of that."
