The key questions surrounding Worcester’s plight

Worcester are fighting for their future amid financial uncertainty. The situation has worsened following a Rugby Football Union suspension announced on Monday.

Worcester are in debt and have an HMRC winding-up order due in October. Players and staff have not received their full wages. Owners Jason Whittingham and Colin Goldring have said a deal was close to being completed with new buyers, but no evidence of that deal has yet been produced.

Worcester have been suspended from all competitions with immediate effect. The Rugby Football Union requested proof of insurance cover and funding for the club’s monthly payroll by 5pm on Monday. Neither of those requests was met. Both the men's and women's teams have now been temporarily suspended. Worcester have also been placed into administration.

Worcester's Sixways Stadium is locked. The club's players cannot train there. Saturday's Premiership game at Gloucester is off. There is a likelihood of automatic relegation.

The DCMS will apply to the court to appoint administrators and begin work to explore all possible options to protect creditors and preserve rugby in Worcester.

Worcester are struggling in the Premiership. The pandemic's impact cannot be ignored. Rising wages for top players and coaches, salary-cap curbs, a constant contest to lure in punters and continued battles to boost match excitement are all major factors.

Worcester are struggling financially. The authorities will do everything to avoid Worcester going to the wall.