So what does the future look like for Warriors?

WHAT HAPPENS TODAY?

Warriors must meet an RFU deadline of 5pm to prove they have the funds to cover insurance and player and staff salaries. Barring an 11th hour miracle, they will be suspended from the Premiership. If the club can finalise a takeover, they can be reinstated.

HOW DID WE GET HERE?

Sportsmail revealed there were financial problems in June when the players were not paid their May salaries on time. In August, they were issued with a winding-up petition over an unpaid tax bill and since then, they have been struggling on with owners Jason Whittingham and Colin Goldring.

IS A TAKEOVER IMMINENT?

Director of rugby Steve Diamond is hopeful of a resolution in the coming weeks. Government specialists have been sent to look at the accounts and the club could be put into administration. Former Worcester chief executive Jim O’Toole confirmed yesterday he has funds in place to save the club if administration occurs.

WHAT NEXT?

Players have been given the week off and they won’t be able to train at Sixways as insurance cover won’t be in place. The Worcester squad will aim to stay fit but won’t have access to any of the club’s facilities. Worcester’s staff will work today but will down tools from 5pm.

WILL PLAYERS AND STAFF LEAVE?

The players will remain under contract but if they are not paid their September salaries, they will be entitled to deliver a breach-of-contract letter. If they are not paid within 14 days of that, they can leave. Many Worcester employees have already accepted other jobs.