WORCESTER AND WASPS FACE RUIN

ENGLISH club rugby was confronted by its worst nightmare last night as two top clubs teetered on the brink of financial collapse.

Debt-crippled Midlands duo Wasps (above) and Worcester face going into administration – and being demoted from the Premiership.

Hours after the Rugby Football Union warned Warriors they face suspension from all competitions this Monday, Wasps filed notice in the

High Court of their intention to appoint an administrator.

The two-time European champions have been unable to meet a deadline to pay back £35million in bonds which helped to finance their relocation to Coventry in 2014.

RFU regulations state that a team going into administration is liable for automatic relegation unless it can demonstrate the financial crisis was not its fault.

Club rugby was on its knees even before the coronavirus shutdown. A £59m Government rescue package for the Premiership only delayed this day of reckoning.

The RFU finally lost patience with Worcester’s owners and their false promises yesterday.

“Whilst we appreciate this will be unwelcome news, it is clear the current state of affairs cannot continue,” said the Union.

Warriors scraped together just enough money to cover costs for last night’s Premiership Cup tie at Gloucester – dragging two players out of retirement to fulfil the fixture.

But with £25m of debt, a winding up petition due to come into force on October 5 and insurance cover only in place until midnight on Monday, owners Jason Whittingham (above) and Colin Goldring have been told to put up or shut up.

An ultimatum has been issued that Worcester will be suspended from all competitions – men and women – if the club cannot meet three demands.

It must provide evidence of insurance cover, availability of funds to meet the monthly payroll and a credible plan to take the club forward.

The plug could be pulled as soon as noon today if the relevant safeguards for Saturday’s Premiership game at home to Newcastle are not seen to be in place.