As a long-term supporter of the club, I am deeply concerned about the current situation at Worcester Warriors.
Not only is this a Premiership club, with fans, players, and staff who live for the club, but it is also a community asset which Worcester residents value very highly.
As Worcester’s MP I have seen the pride that has been generated and the enormous community benefit delivered by having a Premiership Rugby club in the city. I will do anything I can to see that continue.
I am calling for an urgent meeting, backed by colleagues in Parliament, to ensure that any future proposals for the club and its grounds have the interests the community and the sport at its heart. I hope we can meet with Worcestershire County Council, Worcester City Council, and Wychavon District Council at the earliest opportunity to discuss what they can do together to protect this vital sporting and community asset.
It is important that we do all we can to try to save the club, but even in the un-looked for event of some form of administration, then local residents need to have confidence that the club’s assets are used for sporting and community value, and not sold off for profit.
I’ve lost count of the number of Premiership Rugby Community Awards I have attended in Parliament where Worcester Warriors have consistently been praised and highlighted for their work in the community. I want to ensure that work continues for generations to come.
The late Cecil Duckworth worked tirelessly to ensure this, once humble club became a competitive outfit at the top of English rugby and I agree with his family that it is vital we all work to protect his legacy. I can recall attending games of WRFC when they were in North Midlands Division Two with Cecil then watching as his vision and determination saw them all the way to the top flight.
It is vital that local Councils work together with supporters of the club to ensure that they have the best possible chance to stay there.
