Wasps/Worcester
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Topic: Wasps/Worcester
Posted By: Moseley Mauler
Subject: Wasps/Worcester
Date Posted: 11 Jan 2023 at 17:41
| It all seems to have gone quiet on the Wasps/Worcester front. How long are the RFU going to give them? Hardly seems fair on the current Championship clubs and those in the leagues below. |
Replies:
Posted By: tigerburnie
Date Posted: 11 Jan 2023 at 19:34
| They are busy celebrating getting a new manager for the only team they really care about. |
Posted By: islander
Date Posted: 11 Jan 2023 at 22:06
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Latest on WW here (spoiler - not much has changed) https://www.worcesternews.co.uk/news/23237773.worcester-warriors-no-bids-yet-topped-atlas-offer/" rel="nofollow - https://www.worcesternews.co.uk/news/23237773.worcester-warriors-no-bids-yet-topped-atlas-offer/
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Posted By: Steve@Mose
Date Posted: 19 Jan 2023 at 18:40
| http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/64330157" rel="nofollow - Worcester Warriors: Women's team to separate from men's side |
Posted By: Old Gold
Date Posted: 19 Jan 2023 at 21:12
Thought all Prem XV teams had to be aligned to a Premiership mens team? ------------- One Club |
Steve@Mose wrote:Posted By: Raider999
Date Posted: 20 Jan 2023 at 17:02
But there isn't a Worcester mens side at present (or Wasps for that matter) ------------- RAID ON |
Posted By: dumbape
Date Posted: 21 Jan 2023 at 01:03
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The women’s teams at both these clubs have to be protected and supported. Getting the women’s game to the level it is in this country has taken a lot of sacrifice and effort from a host of clubs. The Wasps and Worcester debacle is not of their making. There are no CVC deals and to be clear the England women’s team is by far the most successful. In the last report and accounts the RFU aggregated the playing stats to pad the results. Having a safety net for them is essential and the right thing to do. ------------- What a blessing it would be if we could open and shut our ears as easily as we open and shut our eyes! |
Posted By: Robb
Date Posted: 21 Jan 2023 at 07:57
| Technically, Wasps Ladies are not a part of the professional Wasps team. They're part of Wasps FC, the (legally) independent amateur arm. |
Posted By: Dad
Date Posted: 23 Jan 2023 at 16:39
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No as otherwise the 3 year franchise /licence deal they work under wouldn't fit with promotion /demotion from mens prem Also remember Ealing have a Prem15 team from next season and currently no Prem mens team (I am sure they will pick up some from Acton if Wasps don't retain their spot)
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Posted By: Runitback
Date Posted: 01 Feb 2023 at 16:26
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So with Worcester now bought out of administration, and Wasps likewise what does the Championship look like next year? If Ealing get promoted, Wasps and Worcester joining, presumably Rams getting promoted does that mean no relegation and a 14 league division? If Ealing dont get promoted . . then the bottom team goes with Rams coming up? ------------- Run with it |
Posted By: Camquin
Date Posted: 01 Feb 2023 at 16:33
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I think that there is a guarantee of no relegation, so there is a risk of a 15 team league. Cambridge, Sale and even Rosslyn Park have not given up yet. The Rams players are definitely wary of the coming games - even after Saturday's win. ------------- Sweeney Delenda Est |
Posted By: Runitback
Date Posted: 01 Feb 2023 at 17:00
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Guarantee? Also . . Cov might catch Ealing, would they want to go up? I presume Jersey dont have the facilities? Rams must be strong favourites, Sale and Cambridge will push them but I cannot see RP challenging. Yet again I am not sure RFU are bothered if Champ is 8 teams or 16 next season as the year after it looks like being 10! But it does not seem fait Worcs or Warriors ( both new teams) get an immediate "franchise" into the Championship - having gone bust!! ------------- Run with it |
Posted By: Camquin
Date Posted: 01 Feb 2023 at 17:33
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OK not a definite guarantee, but the regulations currently on the RFU site say no relegation from the Championship, and therefore only two down from National 1. ------------- Sweeney Delenda Est |
Posted By: Steve@Mose
Date Posted: 01 Feb 2023 at 18:57
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/64487553" rel="nofollow - Worcester Warriors: Atlas appointed new owners of former Premiership club
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Posted By: islander
Date Posted: 01 Feb 2023 at 19:24
| Funnily enough the RFU put out https://www.championshiprugby.co.uk/news/article/rfu-statement-wasps-and-worcester-warriors" rel="nofollow - an update today outlining a final deadline on Valentine's Day for the two relegated clubs... |
Posted By: workerbee
Date Posted: 02 Feb 2023 at 10:37
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Let us be clear only two clubs have applied to fulfil the criteria to be promoted to the Premiership Ealing and Doncaster. It is unlikely that Doncaster will win the league. So unless Ealing win the league and pass the Criteria then there will be relegation. If Wasps and Worcester get approval by the 14th Feb to go into Championship (and it would appear that the RFU are doing cartwheels to get them there!) then the Championship will be a 14 team league in 23/24 with one team definitely being promoted from Nat 1 . What is less certain is the make up of the Premiership in 24/25. If the two league premiership is given the go ahead, then two will be relegated from premiership 1 (given that Ealing do get promoted) and Premiership 2 will consist of 2 premiership teams and the top 8 Championship teams. Therefore 6 championship teams will be relegated into Nat 1 and No Promotion from Nat 1. Level 3 will therefore have to relegate 6 into level 4. If the RFU are clever (which is difficult I know) they will call Level 3 "The championship" but without and funding. Entry to Prem 2 could depend on clubs meeting the criteria, but at a lower level then Prem 1. The question is do we have enough "Professional " clubs to make up 2 leagues of 10 and what will the funding look like for the 24/25 season as the PRL and the RFU have to agree a new contract. Who will negotiate it and will the rest of the game have any input into the negotiations.
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Posted By: Camquin
Date Posted: 02 Feb 2023 at 11:55
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There are a few thousand clubs that had run their operations within a budget. There are probably well over a hundred paying players. What we need is a fair funding system that rewards success and permits failure - and does not bankrupt the RFU. ------------- Sweeney Delenda Est |
Posted By: tigerburnie
Date Posted: 02 Feb 2023 at 12:30
With three going up from National two leagues?
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Posted By: Camquin
Date Posted: 02 Feb 2023 at 14:07
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Currently, it is two down three up, yes.
------------- Sweeney Delenda Est |
Posted By: Halliford
Date Posted: 02 Feb 2023 at 17:27
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There are discussions taking place around Level 3 (National 1) in 24/25 to avoid mass relegation to Level 4. I don't want to go into detail as these are only discussions at this point. I found it interesting that although Wasps have talked about maintaining an elite presence at Level 2, the press release from Worcester didn't make the same commitment and suggested they might restart below Elite (Level 2) rugby. The irony of that is that Wasps have no ground but Worcester do!
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Posted By: Thatbloke
Date Posted: 02 Feb 2023 at 17:43
| Not so much an irony but totally in contravention of the RFU requirements to play at your existing ground to avoid being placed at the bottom of the pyramid |
Posted By: WEvans
Date Posted: 03 Feb 2023 at 15:45
But as we all know regulations only apply to certain clubs.
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Posted By: Robb
Date Posted: 03 Feb 2023 at 22:09
| Coventry Wasps: "Rules for thee, but not for (former) Premiership me" |
Posted By: SK 88
Date Posted: 04 Feb 2023 at 13:06
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Do people think: 1) This deadline is a real one? 2) That both, either or neither Wasps and Worcester will meet it? Worcester appear to have met the criteria but are refusing to follow the additional requirements of the regulations around the RFU having observer status at board meetings and the like. They don't appear to have any leverage to me, the RFU sanction all rugby in England, so unless they are planning on a switch to League they will have to agree to their conditions. Wasps it's all gone quite. Nothing announced, no reaction to the deadline, no rumours since December. Just a confirmation from the RFU that they are yet to meet the obligations needed to return and have at time of writing 10 days to do it.
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Posted By: WEvans
Date Posted: 05 Feb 2023 at 12:25
1) No 2) Irrelevant as both will be in the Championship next season whatever.
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Posted By: Halliford
Date Posted: 05 Feb 2023 at 13:19
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Not sure why the deadline is 14th as Council meets on 13th and is due to make a Press release on 15th confirming the numbers for next season. Of course, that doesn’t mean it’s final! I don’t see either Wasps or Worcester being able to meet that deadline from what they have said publicly but I suspect a lot is going on behind the scenes that we don’t know about. My money is on Wasps meeting the deadline provided they have somewhere to play and Worcester not meeting it.
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Posted By: Steve@Mose
Date Posted: 06 Feb 2023 at 22:53
http://www.cityam.com/worcester-warriors-sale-in-spotlight-over-administrators-email-to-witness/" rel="nofollow - Worcester Warriors sale in spotlight over administrator’s email to witness
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Posted By: Robb
Date Posted: 06 Feb 2023 at 23:35
The threat's claim is not even true, if you're giving evidence in a Parliamentary select committee hearing, anything you say is protected by Parliamentary Privilege so you can say what you want with no legal repercussions. Ian Hislop does it often. https://guidetoprocedure.parliament.uk/articles/Mk9xrfWe/privilege-confidentiality-and-foi-for-select-committees
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Posted By: FHLH
Date Posted: 07 Feb 2023 at 04:10
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If youurd advised by a professional that they could be sued then you're likely to believe the professional. Was the witness advised of privilige this by DVMS chairman? If the allegation is true, it puts the professional future of the partner into question, allegedly. ------------- "My father told me big men fall just as quick as little ones, if you put a sword through their hearts." |
Posted By: Robb
Date Posted: 07 Feb 2023 at 08:36
Exactly, it's still (prima facie) blackmail regardless.
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Posted By: Raider999
Date Posted: 09 Feb 2023 at 11:09
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Breaking news. Worcester Warriors will not play in the Championship next season. Also they will become Sixways Rugby Source - BBC Sport website ------------- RAID ON |
Posted By: islander
Date Posted: 09 Feb 2023 at 11:12
More on the above via Times rugby writer... (pasted for speed in wrong-size font  ) https://twitter.com/willgkelleher" rel="nofollow - https://twitter.com/willgkelleher" rel="nofollow - Breaking: Worcester Warriors is no more.
The Atlas consortium will not play in the Championship, but will take over National 2 side Stourbridge, and rebrand as "Sixways Rugby" from next season.
Hmm |
Posted By: Old Gold
Date Posted: 09 Feb 2023 at 11:12
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Got to feel sorry for the fans. Dreadful to rename the club like that. ------------- One Club |
Posted By: donnyladinsheffield
Date Posted: 09 Feb 2023 at 11:24
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Never mind the ones that have suffered a name change, the fans at Stourbridge seem to have lost a club? ------------- He's alright and he don't care; He's got thermal underwear |
Posted By: backrowb
Date Posted: 09 Feb 2023 at 11:27
| I wonder if a massive player influx can safe Stour from the drop |
Posted By: donnyladinsheffield
Date Posted: 09 Feb 2023 at 11:28
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https://www.stourbridgerugby.com/news/proposal-for-commercial-investment-in-stourbridge-rfc-player-development--infrastructure-2759907.html" rel="nofollow - https://www.stourbridgerugby.com/news/proposal-for-commercial-investment-in-stourbridge-rfc-player-development--infrastructure-2759907.html
------------- He's alright and he don't care; He's got thermal underwear |
Posted By: Thunderbird
Date Posted: 09 Feb 2023 at 11:29
| Stourbridge are only Nat 2 for now. Will they avoid the drop? |
Posted By: Old Gold
Date Posted: 09 Feb 2023 at 11:30
That’s what I meant. Sixways won’t be very full on match days I’d wager. Poor show all round. ------------- One Club |
Posted By: donnyladinsheffield
Date Posted: 09 Feb 2023 at 11:31
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So maybe not end of Stourbridge. Unless I am missing something obvious 2 into 1 does not go. If Sixways rugby is investing in Stourbridge at Stourton Park what is happening at Sixways? ------------- He's alright and he don't care; He's got thermal underwear |
Posted By: Kimbo
Date Posted: 09 Feb 2023 at 11:34
W***s? Who knows? ------------- Our Club |
Posted By: donnyladinsheffield
Date Posted: 09 Feb 2023 at 11:36
BBC now reporting it will be Stourbridge for rest of this season. Will let this settle a little more and hopefully it will become clear at some point. Need to get back to work ------------- He's alright and he don't care; He's got thermal underwear |
Posted By: islander
Date Posted: 09 Feb 2023 at 11:57
Latest BBC article says Stour will play at 6ways for rest of season...
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Posted By: islander
Date Posted: 09 Feb 2023 at 12:00
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More from Will Kelleher @willgkelleher · Also understand (and I know others suggesting this) that #Wasps are likely to play their home games at Sixways in the Championship - more of a ground share thing, not a merger with anyone. |
Posted By: donnyladinsheffield
Date Posted: 09 Feb 2023 at 12:03
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Do we think Kimbo is his source ------------- He's alright and he don't care; He's got thermal underwear |
Posted By: FHLH
Date Posted: 09 Feb 2023 at 12:07
25 extra miles from Stourton Stourbridge 18 points adrift with 8 to play ------------- "My father told me big men fall just as quick as little ones, if you put a sword through their hearts." |
Posted By: islander
Date Posted: 09 Feb 2023 at 12:23
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More from O'Toole on BBC. Instead, the new Worcester club will instead now partner with fourth-tier side Stourbridge, who ex-Warriors chief executive O'Toole said will play at Sixways, with a target of reaching the Championship by 2026. Semi-professional club Stourbridge, whose Stourton Park home is 23 miles up the M5 from Sixways, are currently bottom of National League Division Two West, having won just once in 18 games this season. "We will invest the maximum we can within the RFU regulations to get the club through the leagues to get to the Championship by 2026," added O'Toole. "They'll in effect become our first team in our journey to returning to top level rugby. They will play at Sixways from the start of next season. "We'll be sustainable, not reckless. The ultimate goal is to get back to the Premiership but the gut feeling is that it will be ring-fenced." So - Champ by 2026, he says - which means either staving off relegation over next 8-10 weeks in spite of deficit mentioned above by FHLH, followed by 2 promotions in 3 seasons, or relegation this summer followed by 3 successive promotions in 24/25/26
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Posted By: GreenThrough&Through
Date Posted: 09 Feb 2023 at 12:37
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The cynic in me sees this as: Stour have retained their league position over the last 20 years off the back of a bankrolled 1st team, players with little or no tie to the club other than the cheques they were receiving, with the rest of the senior club left to go to the dogs. Juniors coming through saw little chance of breaking into the 1st team and therefore left to go to other clubs to seek game time. Prophecy self-fulfils - no players coming through, recruitment only interested in first team, senior club becomes a senior team. (There are many other examples of this around the country, Stour are far from alone in this). Summer of 2022 - Stour have run out of cash, can't afford to keep paying the players. As is the way nowadays, most of the players leave for clubs who can pay them. Stour soldier on with the best they can assemble and find themselves facing relegation out of the national leagues. Meanwhile, Worcester go bust. New owners come along and find that they cannot meet the RFU requirements to play in the Championship next season. Looking just up the road, they see a club who they've close ties with struggling. With little or no interest in starting from the bottom, they approach the club at Level 4 claiming to be their white knight. "We'll support you, help you stabilise and grow. Let you play in our fancy ground that's currently empty. All it will cost you is your name". Having had their ego's and pride nicely massaged, the people of Stour accept the white knight's offer, keen to not lose their place somewhere near the top table. Personally, i'd be very surprised if you see the name Stourbridge in any of the RFU leagues next season unless they were to re-enter at the bottom.
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Posted By: KnightsBoy
Date Posted: 09 Feb 2023 at 12:46
| In O'tooles statement he acknowledges that to keep the Worcester Warriors name they would have to start at the bottom. In my opinion they shouldn't have been given this option, same punishment as others eg London Welsh, Richmond. |
Posted By: WEvans
Date Posted: 09 Feb 2023 at 12:48
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It will be Wasps at Sixways next season. I would suggest they don't spend much money on the Wasps signage as they will no doubt be off to another part of the country in a year or so probably pursued by the latest batch of their creditors. |
Posted By: Full Bodied Red
Date Posted: 09 Feb 2023 at 13:12
| I agree with knightsboy. The RFU should have made an example and made them start at the bottom like London Welsh and other well known and traditional clubs. Stourbridge isn’t the only club to become a “team” and suffer the consequences. |
Posted By: Thatbloke
Date Posted: 09 Feb 2023 at 13:16
| Absolutely scandalous - our governing body appear to govern absolutely nothing with "anything goes" allowed for the select few. Bring on this SGM! |
Posted By: FHLH
Date Posted: 09 Feb 2023 at 13:23
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But remain a member's club? "......with Stourbridge remaining firmly a member’s owned club. It is our view that following an open forum with our members, a formal agreement can be established to secure Stourbridge Rugby Clubs' long-term future, from the M&J’s through to the First XV. Atlas Group is proposing a long-term investment into our playing infrastructure to enable our teams to play competitively at all levels, to grow our club to becoming a Championship Level Club (and beyond) to provide a pathway to senior competitive rugby for all, to provide additional player support for players to cascade at all levels in the men’s and women’s game. This investment will look to provide additional coaching at all levels, assist in strengthening our volunteer coaches, and grow the community-centered game which is the heartbeat of rugby in this country. We believe that this investment ensures the longevity of rugby at Stourton Park for generations to come. We will be holding a Special General Meeting shortly to present the proposal to our membership, however, an informal meeting will be held at Stourton Park at 7pm on Friday the 10th of February 2023, to answer any questions our members may have, as the timings to advance this potential arrangement is time crucial, which we will elaborate on in more detail. Please note, given the significance of this proposed investment into our Club, this will attract significant national interest. May I take this opportunity to assure the membership that the proposals being put forward can only be agreed upon following the full consultation and consent of Stourbridge Rugby Club membership at a proposed SGM where full proposals and outlines will be provided with adequate time for the club to fully consider the proposals. This is an unprecedented opportunity to put SRFC firmly on the map as a leader in rugby development in the Midlands for the foreseeable future and I hope that you will be as enthusiastic as we are in the potential of embarking on a journey that will secure rugby for many generations to come at Stourton Park. Richard Baron ------------- "My father told me big men fall just as quick as little ones, if you put a sword through their hearts." |
Posted By: FHLH
Date Posted: 09 Feb 2023 at 13:25
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Interesting to guage Moseley 's view ------------- "My father told me big men fall just as quick as little ones, if you put a sword through their hearts." |
Posted By: FHLH
Date Posted: 09 Feb 2023 at 13:31
They've also lost 10 Loan players if I interpret their press release correctly "Previously, we had a long-term symbiotic relationship with them both which last year alone resulted in ten players (Alfie Bell, Tobi Wilson, Noel Heward, Finn Thomas, Greg Fisilau, Tom Bacon, Kofi Cripps, Pietro Turrisi, Emanual Feyi-Waboso, Seb Atkinson) playing regularly in Stourbridge colours. Unfortunately, these players are now no longer available, and the majority are all now playing at either Championship or Premiership level for other clubs. We have also had an unprecedented injury crisis with both our fly halves breaking their legs in the first 5 weeks of the season and a myriad of injuries followed during the winter months." ------------- "My father told me big men fall just as quick as little ones, if you put a sword through their hearts." |
Posted By: corporalcarrot
Date Posted: 09 Feb 2023 at 13:37
------------- Dont kick it. Pick it up and GO FORWARD. |
Posted By: Thatbloke
Date Posted: 09 Feb 2023 at 13:42
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It's an absolute disgrace! What message does it give to the rest of the game - Go Bust - Runaway from your debts - Reform under new ownership - Takeover another club in a League of your choice to suit your purposes This is very obviously a 2 fingers up to the RFU for denying them a place in the Champuonship What IS the RFU doing about this? - sitting on their hands as usual when they really need to get a grip. Go Bust - start again bottom of the pyramid - as per their own rules. Knowing that was the consequence maybe clubs would exercise more sustainable financial controls and management Beggars belief!!
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Posted By: Ste Vo
Date Posted: 09 Feb 2023 at 13:57
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Only if the Stour membership allows it to happen. If it's rejected, what does that mean for the people at the top at Stour?
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Posted By: TAS63
Date Posted: 09 Feb 2023 at 14:16
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Well that all asks way more questions than it answers!!! The only certainty I can make from it is that Sixways will not play in the Championship next season. Now wonder if Wasps will make the RFU deadline next week. Having read the Stourbridge and Sixways statements, I am struggling to see why the Stourbridge membership would support this. They lose their name and 1st XV, and they need none of that to keep the minis and juniors going. They is plenty in the statement about the "lovely ground" at Stourbridge .... is it a development opportunity for the Sixways board? I don't know the location well enough to know but it doesn't sound like it would see a lot of rugby played on it if the deal went ahead. |
Posted By: Thatbloke
Date Posted: 09 Feb 2023 at 14:18
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The problem for Stour is that they have run their 1st XV largely on the back of loan players from other clubs and now claim it is impossible to run without them and that this route is the only way out of a troubled position. That there are "no local players around" is absolute "tosh" How about doing what the rest of us have to do? If their finances are sound, as claimed, it's not difficult to identify and recruit players on permanent contracts and/or growing your own through a well run youth system! Stourbridge is within easy reach of major conurbations so "no players around" is totally laughable. Look at teams in that league - Luctonians, Barnstaple, Newport - all fairly isolated but regularly putting out 3 or 4 teams and a Colts side. I hope the "Stour" members treat the proposal with disdain and throw it out as it will quite clearly be the end of Stourbridge as they know it - how many of the Stour would travel to watch effectively New Worcester? Relegation doesn't mean the end of the world - it's an opportunity to step back, re-assess and rebuild for a better future
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Posted By: Ste Vo
Date Posted: 09 Feb 2023 at 14:34
| Plenty in the division below right on Stour's doorstep not struggling for players either. To blame High Schools would be hilarious if it wasn't so sad. |
Posted By: Scrumtime
Date Posted: 09 Feb 2023 at 15:20
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Is Norman Robertsone ex NCA and RFU Council member at Stourbridge ? That might explain a little |
Posted By: workerbee
Date Posted: 09 Feb 2023 at 15:28
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In both Worcester (Sorry "Sixways" ) and Stourbridge statements regarding the proposal to play at level 4 next season. Unless the RFU make an exception with Stourbridge at the end of the season they will be relegated to level 5, Unless Sixways RFC are going to provide them with numerous players to enable them to escape the drop. So Sixways will start at level 5 in 23/24 .Assuming that they get consecutive promotions 23/24,24/25, 25/26 then they will be back into the Championship in 26/27. This is on the basis that there is no change at Championship level for 24/25 with the proposal to make 2 x 10 Premiership leagues meaning 6 clubs will be relegated from the championship Let us see what happens firstly the Stourbridge Members have to approve it, Then the RFU have to approve a name change (In reality this should mean they must start as a new club at the bottom) and finally are the RFU going to let Stourbridge (Sixways) stay in level 4 despite the probability of them ending in the relegation zone.
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Posted By: Kimbo
Date Posted: 09 Feb 2023 at 15:41
Just what have you got against us, exactly? ------------- Our Club |
Posted By: Thatbloke
Date Posted: 09 Feb 2023 at 16:14
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Surely as a fairly recent CEO of Warriors, O'Toole played a significant part in the mismanagement of Warriors yet suddenly he's perfectly suitable as a "preferred bidder" and now regrettably part-owner in bed with and part of the Atlas Group. The amateur arm plays on the doorstep and in part of the Sixways complex at Level 6 - surely a tie up with them would make far more sense or does that make "getting back to the Championship and beyond" too long a project? I guess they will inject immediate cash into Stourbridge to make sure they stay in Nat2W and save themselves 2 years and in the process stuff the rest of the clubs who run their affairs in a sustainable manner and a real community involvement not just a soundbite? Will the RFU see it that way - doubt it!
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Posted By: Pr10r
Date Posted: 09 Feb 2023 at 17:08
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Sadly, Stourbridge RFC know they are going to disappear. So the guys at the top have a decision to make - either go down in flames or make some money for themselves by selling their position to a willing buyer. They have never cared about the junior setup, why would they care now (evidence in not trying to develop the youngsters but instead beg/borrow/steal players from higher clubs). They would never admit it, but they are probably thinking "there are plenty other clubs locally for the mini's & juniors to join". The next step then falls to to RFU..... to make a decision that is in keeping with the integrity of the game.... well, we all know how that's going to turn out..... I can't wait to find out next month what Rugby news is going break!!! ------------- In Victory, you deserve Champagne. In defeat, you need it |
Posted By: PI003
Date Posted: 09 Feb 2023 at 17:42
CC, that’s an interesting proposition regarding promotion for Ealing and Cov. However, this won’t happen for a number of reasons. Only Ealing and Doncaster have submitted applications for admittance to the Premiership, Jersey, Coventry and et al did not. Therefore only these two clubs have to meet the criteria requirements. Currently, the squad is playing very well, have a great spirit but also have picked up some players from Tiers 4 and 5. To put these players in the way of Premiership players would be almost suicidal, taking the bulk and size of the Premiership players. No. But, perhaps the more pertinent point is that next year, 2024 , is Cov’s 150th Anniversary. Not too sure the Cov management, or the anniversary planners, would like to have to deal with, what would more than likely be a season of drubbings, and such, against these teams filled with internationals. Don’t think that would be an Anniversary with memories that would be unhappy memories to say the least. Cheers CC. |
Posted By: corporalcarrot
Date Posted: 09 Feb 2023 at 17:45
------------- Dont kick it. Pick it up and GO FORWARD. |
Posted By: Scrumtime
Date Posted: 09 Feb 2023 at 19:16
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So the RFU funded the pitch at Stourbridge as well Might as well have opened the windows at HQ and thrown £400k out Total joke RFU Rugby 365 artificial grass pitch to be completed at Stourbridge Rugby Club |
Posted By: Raider999
Date Posted: 09 Feb 2023 at 19:21
Sold of for development? ------------- RAID ON |
Posted By: 373
Date Posted: 10 Feb 2023 at 02:32
It's been there 5 and a half years. Do the RFU have a crystal ball?
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Posted By: Mark W-J
Date Posted: 10 Feb 2023 at 08:28
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Four questions spring to mind here: 1. have Atlas completed their takeover of Worcester? 2. how much have they paid? 3. was their bid based upon the highest price for the assets, the best return for the creditors, or the best long-term plan - or maybe a combination of all three? 4. what is the value of the assets - land and buildings that they have purchased (or 'become owners of' might be a better way of phrasing it)?
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Posted By: islander
Date Posted: 10 Feb 2023 at 09:25
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See below 1st 4 paras of what's being badged as 'exclusive' story in Telegraph today... rest of article doesn't say much new https://www.telegraph.co.uk/rugby-union/2023/02/09/wasps-play-sixways-worcester-warriors-merge-stourbridge-rfc/" rel="nofollow - Full piece (paywall) Wasps are on the brink of finalising a deal to play at Sixways, the former ground of Worcester Warriors. The arrangement would bring professional rugby back to the venue just months after Warriors were liquidated. Wasps, who are expected to abandon plans to move to Solihull, were relegated from the Premiership following their own liquidation last year. They are now in the process of applying to join the Championship and any move to Sixways would have to meet the Rugby Football Union’s conditions. On a dramatic day for the stricken former Premiership clubs, it was also announced that Worcester Warriors would cease to exist, and that Sixways Rugby would enter National League 2 West after rebranding semi-professional side Stourbridge. The move would involve a groundshare agreement between Wasps and Sixways. |
Posted By: KnightsBoy
Date Posted: 10 Feb 2023 at 11:17
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Steve Diamonds reaction https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/64594603" rel="nofollow - https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/64594603 |
Posted By: Thatbloke
Date Posted: 10 Feb 2023 at 11:42
| Difficult not to agree with Diamond's take on things |
Posted By: FHLH
Date Posted: 10 Feb 2023 at 11:55
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As an aside, this has come at a convenient time for the RFU. The critical DCMS report has been forgotten under the avalanche of tackling, Six Nations, Warriors / Wasps in general and now the Stourbridge farce. If there was ever a time for firm leadership and guiding hand at the top, it's now.
------------- "My father told me big men fall just as quick as little ones, if you put a sword through their hearts." |
Posted By: Thatbloke
Date Posted: 10 Feb 2023 at 12:03
| Not heard "Boo" from Sweeney for weeks now. When's this SGM so we can pack him off for good! |
Posted By: Camquin
Date Posted: 10 Feb 2023 at 12:06
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When we get enough letters from clubs formally submitted to the RFU calling for one. Wheels are turning. ------------- Sweeney Delenda Est |
Posted By: Thatbloke
Date Posted: 10 Feb 2023 at 12:13
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Not only Sweeney who's gone quiet - where's the Community Club Union upto? Forget that - just read their twitter update!
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Posted By: Richard Lowther
Date Posted: 10 Feb 2023 at 12:28
Having escaped from the Twitterverse, can you provide further details? ------------- Moderator http://www.leaguerugby.co.uk" rel="nofollow - National League Rugby Message Boards Remember Wakefield RFC |
Posted By: @boatyjames
Date Posted: 10 Feb 2023 at 12:30
| A Community Club Union is the daftest idea out there. Clubs need to re establish good governance at the Union we already have and that we all own not set up some rival - that would be a death spiral for the “community” game. |
Posted By: Richard Lowther
Date Posted: 10 Feb 2023 at 12:37
Totally agree. It would solve nothing and cost everything. ------------- Moderator http://www.leaguerugby.co.uk" rel="nofollow - National League Rugby Message Boards Remember Wakefield RFC |
Posted By: Thatbloke
Date Posted: 10 Feb 2023 at 12:44
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Guys You misunderstand - maybe misled by the name The 2 objectives are 1) To seek consultation about the new tackle laws - achieved almost I would say 2) To gain enough support to call an SGM and propose a vote of no confidence in the leadership ie Sweeney You do not have to be signed up to Twitter to dip in. You can find the latest by just going to Community Clubs Union Twitter and all will be revealed
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Posted By: corporalcarrot
Date Posted: 10 Feb 2023 at 13:20
------------- Dont kick it. Pick it up and GO FORWARD. |
Posted By: Brizzer
Date Posted: 10 Feb 2023 at 13:51
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So here’s a thing. Would Sixways (RFC?) attract a larger home based crowd then Wasps either playing in the Championship or the PL? If I were a Warrior, I know where my buck would go!! ------------- Tackle Low!!!!! |
Posted By: islander
Date Posted: 10 Feb 2023 at 13:54
If they were to fund a joint Worcester/Wasps operation at Sixways, wouldn't the RFU be repeating old mistakes?!
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Posted By: WEvans
Date Posted: 10 Feb 2023 at 15:02
Have the RFU got any balls at all? We shall see in the coming weeks but I think we already know the answer.
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Posted By: workerbee
Date Posted: 10 Feb 2023 at 15:11
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What ever happens should this merger go ahead we will lose 1 Club from the leagues. The sad thing about this is that when the National Leagues down to level 4 were well funded. Stourbridge ensured that the RFU funding was used to develop their clubhouse and stand, which is what the RFU should have ensured that all clubs did the same and in addition introduced Ground and Clubhouse criteria for all levels of the National leagues. If they had then we would have not be having this conversation now. Stourbridge is a proper community club which will be high jacked to fit a Team" back into the leagues . They should go to the bottom as a New Club called Sixways.
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Posted By: corporalcarrot
Date Posted: 10 Feb 2023 at 15:34
------------- Dont kick it. Pick it up and GO FORWARD. |
Posted By: KnightsBoy
Date Posted: 10 Feb 2023 at 15:48
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Spanner in the works maybe https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/rugby/worcester-warriors-sixways-rugby-atlas-consortium-b1059167.html" rel="nofollow - https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/rugby/worcester-warriors-sixways-rugby-atlas-consortium-b1059167.html
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Posted By: billesleyexile
Date Posted: 10 Feb 2023 at 15:48
so the message (if you can live with the personal reputational damage) to club owners up and down the land is 'if you run your club into the ground the RFU will take over and make them a great club'? Unfortunately, I think we're probably better off actually enforcing the rules (if only to encourage the others) - 'if you break your club, you'd better hope someone wants to buy it or they start again at the bottom.' Still if the RFU is now in the business of saving great clubs then I'm sure there are a good few club casualties of the professional era that will be pleased to hear imminently from HQ and accept their help back to the top table with open arms... ------------- keep the faith |
Posted By: Texelburger
Date Posted: 10 Feb 2023 at 16:13
Exactly. ------------- Rugby for everyone,friendships never lost. |
Posted By: islander
Date Posted: 10 Feb 2023 at 16:18
| https://worcesterrfc.rfu.club/news/update-on-the-atlas-stourbridge-rfc-proposal" rel="nofollow - What Worcester RFC make of all this |
Posted By: Dad
Date Posted: 10 Feb 2023 at 16:34
Well don't think anyone can argue with any of that statement
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Posted By: Raider999
Date Posted: 10 Feb 2023 at 16:37
I was under the impression that there have been enough letters for some time. Sweeney strikes me as a similar Teflon type of RFU to Rob Andrew! ------------- RAID ON |
Posted By: Thunderbird
Date Posted: 13 Feb 2023 at 12:59
| Presumably they will be expediting player registrations, as the registration dead line is this Friday. Unless of course it's already been completed. |
Posted By: Camquin
Date Posted: 13 Feb 2023 at 13:20
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As I understand it, sufficient clubs have told CCU, they will submit letters. But not all have. Some need to hold the necessary committee meetings. ------------- Sweeney Delenda Est |
Posted By: KnightsBoy
Date Posted: 13 Feb 2023 at 13:25
Isn't that deadline for this season, I would assume they can sign players for next season
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Posted By: Thatbloke
Date Posted: 13 Feb 2023 at 15:23
| As far as I am aware Atlas haven't yet completed the takeover and haven't parted with a single penny as yet. Would they shell out enough funds to ensure Stourbridge escape relegation. Even then nothings certain - they could pick up max points and still go down. |
Posted By: Thunderbird
Date Posted: 13 Feb 2023 at 16:01
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Yes for this season. If they want to avoid relegartion with the squad they have it will be a miracle. So presumably they will need new players to avoid going to level 5. |
Posted By: Thatbloke
Date Posted: 13 Feb 2023 at 16:06
| But until the Stour membership vote in favour at an SGM, and they still might not despite the vibes coming out on Social media, it is all up in the air plus we have the threat of an RFU intervention. The more this goes on the less reliable Atlas look! |