Worcester Warriors are pleased to confirm that funding was secured to fulfil players’ salaries for August and payment was set up today. Non-playing staff will also be paid a portion of their August salaries, with a solution to cover the remainder due in the coming days.
Owners Colin Goldring and Jason Whittingham have for the last two weeks been in discussions with several potential buyers in a bid to secure the future of the club. As has been widely reported, the club has faced severe financial difficulties as a result of Covid-19 and the rising cost of living.
Jason Whittingham said: “While we’ve been working to find the investment that will keep Worcester Warriors playing Premiership rugby at Sixways for years to come, we’ve also been focused on the important short-term task of making sure we can pay our loyal and valued staff and players this month.
“I’m pleased to say that we secured funds. We will fulfil the terms of our players’ contracts and pay them in full. This is of course crucial in retaining our talented squad for this season.
“It pains us to have to do it this way, but non-playing staff will receive 65% of their monthly salary tomorrow. We are completing on a solution which would see the remainder paid within five working days.
“With that vital task in hand, our full focus returns to the long-term survival of the club.
“In the past two weeks we have been looking at every possible option that will keep Premiership rugby at Sixways.
“We’ve narrowed down discussions to three motivated and credible buyers who have proven funds.
“Colin and I are clear that the priority in all of this is that the club survives. We’re therefore of course willing to sell the whole group of companies at Sixways and the options being considered include selling all assets.
Colin Goldring said: “We regret the uncertainty and insecurity our people are having to endure. The dedication and loyalty of the staff and players is second to none and we thank them for it.
“We continue to work towards a solution which will see Worcester Warriors playing this season and for seasons to come.
“Once again we thank our supporters, partners, sponsors, staff, players and the local community for the support and concern they have shown the club.”