Worcester went out of business in September and were relegated
(Picture: Getty Images)Jim O’Toole’s Atlas Consortium could yet be blocked from completing the purchase of Worcester Warriors.
English rugby chiefs were due to meet Government counterparts today to examine ways to stop Atlas’ bid for stricken Premiership club Worcester, Standard Sport understands.
O’Toole and partner James Sandford have announced plans to merge with National League club Stourbridge and rebrand as Sixways Rugby.
That would leave creditors of Worcester Warriors unpaid, with bills left unsettled as high as £8million.
Administrators Begbies Traynor have struck a deal with O’Toole to purchase Worcester, the club that went out of business in September and was subsequently relegated from English rugby’s top-flight.
The Department for Media, Culture and Sport (DCMS) has the power to veto Worcester’s sale however, should the Government deem the write-off of creditor debt unacceptable.
Administrators Begbies announced the sale of Worcester to the Atlas group last week, only for the RFU to counter by setting O’Toole’s consortium a February 14 deadline to meet all conditions for governing body approval.
Without RFU ratification, Worcester in any guise cannot compete in English rugby’s league structure.
So just as that would leave a reformed Worcester unable to enter next season’s second-tier, the Championship, as has been mooted by all parties, so too would any merger with Stourbridge remain closed off without RFU backing.
National League Two West outfit Stourbridge are due to put Atlas’ merger proposal to a members’ vote tomorrow night.
O’Toole has previously pledged to bring top-level rugby back to Worcester with our without RFU backing, but that appears unworkable.
Former Warriors rugby director Steve Diamond had mounted a credible alternative bid to buy Worcester. The ex-Sale coach and board director is understood to remain ready and willing to step back into the breach if required.
Fellow stricken club Wasps are also facing a February 14 deadline to complete all RFU demands to be able to enter next season’s Championship.
Wasps have had their takeover conditionally approved, following falling into administration in October. The one-time London club that last played at the Coventry Building Society Arena continues to look for a new home.
Wasps’ new owners have explored the viability of playing at Worcester’s Sixways Stadium, while also weighing up the option of a groundshare with football club Solihull Moors.
The RFU pledged to canvass opinion on Worcester’s proposed merger with Stourbridge, though the governing body can still veto the proposals.
“The RFU has been clear that its priority was to enable Worcester Warriors to play in the Championship and Worcester Warriors Women in the Premier 15s in a sustainable way,” read an RFU statement.
“The information required has been asked for repeatedly and deadlines were extended to provide the best possible chance for this to happen.
“The RFU will now consult with the local rugby community over the proposed relocation of Stourbridge RFC and the change of name. Our priority is to ensure the best interests of rugby and the rugby community are preserved.
“The RFU maintains its commitment to running the Midlands academy which it took over in November and the continuation of Worcester Warriors Women.”
