Worcester Warriors matches to go ahead after premiership club avoids suspension

Worcester Warriors' match against Exeter Chiefs will go ahead this weekend after the premiership club has proved it can host matches at Sixways stadium.

However, some staff at the club have spoken out about the premiership club owners saying they remain "angry at the continual broken promises and lack of communication from those above".

It comes as Worcester Warriors has avoided suspension from the competition by providing their safety documentation to play at the stadium by the midday deadline on Friday.

The England rugby chiefs told the club that without the relevant documents, matches at the ground will not go ahead.

The Gallagher Premiership club's match against Exeter Chiefs on Sunday (18 September) was initially in doubt, but it is now confirmed to go ahead.

A statement released by the Rugby Football Union (RFU) said: "Worcester Warriors has met a midday deadline set by the RFU to provide assurances in relation to the receipt of a General Safety Certificate from the local authority and written confirmation of medical provision."

"Therefore, this weekend’s Gallagher Premiership and Allianz Cup matches will go ahead."

The governing body said: "We recognise this has been a difficult and uncertain time for all of Worcester Warriors players, staff and fans as well as the opposition teams and are pleased that the matter has been resolved. "The RFU, Premiership Rugby and DCMS will continue to work with Worcester Warriors owners regarding funding and potential new ownership proposals in the coming days."

Worcester Warriors tweeted: "#Together" with a statement from the staff and players at the club.

The statement explained employees of the club met yesterday (16 September) and despite some staff not receiving any of their salaries, the games at the stadium will go ahead.

They explained their motivation is entirely for the fans of the club.

It said: "Recent events have added more stress to an already frustrating and uncertain situation for us all and we cannot promise this goodwill will continue indefinitely."

"We remain angry at the continual broken promises and lack of communication from those above and hope for new ownership to come in with a clean break from those currently in position."

"Our focus is now on getting the stadium ready for the supporters, who along with players and staff are the true beating heart of this great club."

"Full details for both games will be announced shortly."

"We are all extremely thankful for the messages of support we have received from rugby fans around the world."

ITV News Central has contacted Worcester Warriors owners Colin Goldring and Jason Whittingham for a statement.

Meanwhile, Steve Diamond, the Director of Rugby at the Premiership club, posted a video on social media where he said: "Friday afternoon and the game is on against Exeter - thank goodness."

He adds: "All of the staff have agreed to work under these circumstances where some of them have not been paid fully and some of them haven't been paid."

"But Worcester is all they care about."

Twitter responses to the statement and video have flooded in from supporters.

One read: "Fair play to the staff keeping this going despite all the issues that must be affecting them deeply."

Another one added: "Simply - you are all incredible"