Crisis-stricken Worcester Warriors WILL play Newcastle this weekend but outlook is bleak

Worcester’s daily struggle for survival is extended into the weekend after the Warriors received a promise from the Rugby Football Union to host Newcastle’s scheduled game on Saturday.

But that match in Gallagher’s Premiership looks likely to be the club’s last – at least for a few weeks – as calls for the administration grow louder.

On Wednesday, the RFU stepped up plans to suspend the struggling Warriors from all competitions unless they could get the required schedule for the Newcastle game.

They managed to do that, but Worcester now most likely won’t be able to meet another RFU deadline.

Monday at 5pm they must show the English rugby governing body that they have proof of suitable insurance and that they will be able to pay outstanding salaries to staff.

Sportsmail understands that the club will not be able to do that by suspending the likely result early next week. The outlook for the Warriors is bleak.

Club owners Jason Whittingham and Colin Goldring have been claiming since last Friday that they are close to closing a sale of Worcester, which would secure its future.

Fans scolded the owners and showed tremendous support for the team

But no such deal has happened. Whittingham and Goldring have long lost all support from Worcester’s players, backrooms and loyal fans.

On Thursday afternoon, Worcester MP Robin Walker will step up his efforts to save the club in his hometown by appearing in parliament, where he will advocate for the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport to help the Warriors force governance .

“It is very clear that there are investors who want to move the club forward, but they are now clear that this will only be done through an administrative process,” Walker told BBC Hereford & Worcester.

“We have to make sure that the staff and players get the right support and they don’t get that from the current owners and directors at the moment.”

An outcast Warriors team of kids and veterans was evicted against Gloucester on Wednesday

The majority of Worcester’s support staff still received just 65 per cent of their salary in August, but they continue to work wonders despite extraordinary circumstances to ensure the club’s rugby business continues.

It remains unlikely, although they could continue on Saturday. It remains up to Whittingham and Goldring to complete a sale as quickly as possible.

“It’s a terrible situation and we need to resolve it quickly,” Walker added.

“I am going to hold a debate in Parliament today to raise the issue and urge DCMS ministers to take action and say enough is enough.

“We need to take action to save this club and make sure people are paid well. The staff and players move heaven and earth to ensure they can fulfill their rugby obligations. But we need to make sure they get the right support and they just don’t seem to get that from the owners and drivers at the moment.

“I definitely want to emphasize how hugely important this club is to the entire community and how we need to take action to save it.

Worcester Warriors’ future was in doubt at a very difficult time for the club

“Local MPs and I called for a governance process a few weeks ago to take it further. It is very clear that there are investors who are interested in moving to and supporting the club.

“But they have made it clear that this can only be done through an administrative process. I want the government to step in and start that process of governance because I think that’s the best way to save the club right now.

“But it is clear that DCMS has always said their priority is to keep the club going and their only concern about the administration was that this could lead to the club being liquidated.

“Obviously nobody wants that, but I think the fact that there are a number of investors who want to take it further gives me the confidence that an administrative process can help the club.

“People are very concerned. This is a huge benefit to the community and it is the livelihood of many, many people.

“People have worked there for a lower wage and tried their best to set up games. We all want it to be saved and the whole club and the grounds around it to stay together.”

revealed on Tuesday that Whittingham and Goldring had taken out a £500,000 loan from Worcester legend Cecil Duckworth on his deathbed and have still not repaid the amount.

Sportsmail broke the news that owners Colin Goldring and Jason Whittingham have borrowed £500,000 from Cecil Duckworth and have not repaid his family since his death

The story sparked even more anger among current Worcester owners. On Wednesday night, Worcester’s Twitter account even retweeted

Duckworth Story.

Walker confirmed he has not spoken to Whittingham or Goldring in the past week.

“Warriors has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember and a part of so many people’s lives. It’s something we’re extremely proud of and this is about Duckworth’s legacy,” he added. “This is someone who has given Worcester so much. We owe it all to his legacy to preserve that and keep this club there.”