WORCESTER WARRIORS RETURN TO PROFESSIONAL RUGBY

The takeover of Worcester Warriors by Junction 6 Limited in 2024 has been pivotal in the recovery of the stadium operations and now, the return of the club itself. The energy, business resilience, and determination to succeed have drawn immense encouragement and support from a small but loyal team of staff, key stakeholders, local politicians, Wychavon District Council, and, of course, the enduring Warriors fanbase.

Christopher Holland, Chairman of Worcester Warriors, said:

“In 2024 it became necessary for us to take over the freehold interests of the Stadium and the Warriors. That process has been challenging and rewarding in equal measure, and we have now made significant progress in stabilising the Sixways business as well as successfully navigating the detailed and demanding application process for entry of the club into the second tier of professional rugby in England.

After careful consideration we chose to make the application to the new league under the name Worcester Warriors, a club founded in 1871, to preserve its history and legacy. As a result, even though we applied as a new non-league entrant, we are required to settle rugby creditors as defined by the RFU Regulation 5. We acknowledge and fully own this process and the responsibility that comes with it.

Had we opted to restart at the bottom of the rugby pyramid, as others have before us, the obligation to settle rugby creditors would have been removed. However, with the clear intent of investing and developing the future of rugby in the region, and to create opportunities and pathways within the sport, we have taken full responsibility for addressing these inherited obligations.

We now enter a defined period in which to provide financial guarantees, and to identify, validate, and agree all inherited rugby creditors. The completion of this process is the key to success and requires the collective support of all involved. We are committed to resolving this swiftly.”