Worcester bought by local consortium after SRU interest petered out

Worcester Warriors have been taken over by a consortium led by a local businessman, finally ending any speculation of the Scottish Rugby Union becoming involved in the running of the Sixways side.

Rumours emerged last year that the SRU might be interested in taking a controlling interest in the Gallagher Premiership side with a view to using it as a vehicle to develop Scottish players.

Scotland internationals such as stand-off Duncan Weir and back-rower Cornell du Preez have moved to the Midlands club, who have former Edinburgh coach Alan Solomons as director of rugby, but it was confirmed yesterday that a four-man consortium, headed by ex-swindon Town FC chairman Jed Mccrory, and including former Saracens and Sale flanker David Seymour, and Scott Priestnall had taken control. London and Miamibased property and commodities trader Errol Pope will be the primary funder.

The consortium is reported to have agreed an undisclosed price and put at the heart of their bid a commitment to keeping the club at Sixways, while making more use of their 10,000 capacity stadiumanditsall-weatherpitch. Warriors chairman Bill Bolsover told BBC Hereford & Worcester that a potential bid from Murrayfield had never progressed from an initial interest.

“It was very short term,” said Bolsover. “Right at the beginning. But it didn’t last for long. We didn’t think it was right and I don’t think anyone thought it was right to have a club down here supporting what was happening in Scotland.”

0 Duncan Weir: Warriors No 10.