Another Premiership match faces the axe with side set to forfeit after statement
Rugby NewsThursday, 15 September 2022 at 07:04
Worcester Warriors are currently on the brink of forfeiting Sunday's game against Exeter Chiefs after the cash-strapped club failed to pay its stadium suppliers ahead of the game.
The Warriors missed a 5pm deadline to play the medical and security providers, and the Premiership fixture cannot go ahead without those essential services.
Warriors boss Steve Diamond said: "I'm not here to fluff it. If people aren't paid, and suppliers aren't paid, then I don't think, logistically, the game can go on.
"These people have got to deliver and I think they're in the last throes of that. If they're not then I probably won't be sat in front of you again. That's the reality of it.
"I'm too old and ugly to be naive to think they're spinning a yarn. I don't think they are."
Warriors owners Jason Whittingham and Colin Goldring said terms of sale for the Premiership club had been agreed with an investor on Tuesday.
But the club said on Wednesday evening they are still awaiting "final sign-off" on the contract for the sale.
"Let's hope this is not another false dawn. These people have to deliver and I think they're in the last throws of that," Diamond added.
"It's better to have a potential deal on the cards than not but if it's another cock-and-bull story, it'll be out in the wash at the weekend because we won't be playing.
"I don't think they're [Whittingham and Goldring] spinning a yarn. I think they've genuinely got somebody."
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WORCESTER TRANSFER TARGETS:
The Worcester boss missed out on a number of targets this summer due to their financial woes but will scour the free agent market.
Below, we look at five possible transfer targets who are still without a club at present.
POSSIBLE TRANSFER TARGETS:
#1. Mike Brown
- Age: 36
- Position: Fullback
- Caps: 72
Brown, who has already revealed he will pursue a career as an agent when he hangs up his boots, was at one point being lined up as a potential replacement for Simon Hammersley at Sale after the fullback quit. However, they eventually went with the cheaper option of Jason Woodward following his release by Gloucester.
Ealing, Worcester and French club Agen also remain in the race for the experienced speedsters signature.
Mike Brown of Harlequins celebrates with the trophy on his final day as a Harlequin during the Gallagher Premiership Cup Final between Exeter Chiefs and Harlequins at Twickenham Stadium June 26, 2021 in London, England (Photo by Tom Sandberg/PPAUK
#2. Luther Burrell
- Age: 32
- Position: Centre
- Caps: 15
32-year-old centre Burrell is also weighing up his options after he was released by Newcastle Falcons. There's no word currently on where he might end up.
Luther Burrell of Northampton Saints during the Gallagher Premiership Semi Final Rugby match between Exeter Chiefs and Northampton Saints at Sandy Park on May 25th 2019, Exeter, Devon. Photo: Cameron Geran/PPAUK
Pablo Matera
- Age: 28
- Position: Back-row
- Country: Argentina
- Caps: 78
One and done. It’s been confirmed Argentina captain Matera won’t be back for a second year at the Crusaders in New Zealand, meaning he’s now a free agent.
The hard-nosed Puma, who played for Leicester Tigers between 2013 and 2014, has joined with a second division Japanese team though their season doesn't start until next year.
Pablo Matera of Argentina on the break slipping the tackle from Sam Underhill of England Rugby and then tackled by Alex Lozowski of England Rugby during the International Old Mutual Wealth Series match between England v Argentina on 11th November 2017 at Twickenham Stadium, London, England (Photo:Phil Mingo/PPAUK),
#4. Marland Yarde
- Age: 30
- Position: Winger
- Caps: 13
Sources in Australia have informed The Rugby Paper ‘that the former England flyer has signed up with an Aussie agent to look for opportunities to further his career.’
The 30-year-old, who won 13 caps for England between 2013 and 2017, hasn’t played for his current club Sale Sharks since January 7, when he played 62 minutes of the defeat at the hands of Bristol Bears.
He made nine appearances for the Sharks, scoring two tries this season and also had a lengthy spell on the sidelines with a shoulder injury.
#5. Danny Cipriani
- Age: 34
- Position: Fly-half
- Caps: 16
The 34-year-old announced earlier this year that he intends to move abroad after his only season at the Rec but could yet extend his playing career in the United States, France or Japan.
Despite the Dallas jackals being the early favourites to land the 16-cap fly-half, that move has since stalled according to The Rugby Paper.
They reported last month that Cipriani ‘is waiting on an offer from Japan before he decides on what is likely to be the last move of his career.’
Having still not confirmed his next destination, and due to the fact Cipriani had a good previous relationship with Diamond at Sale, there is no reason why he might not arrive at Sixways on a short term contract.
Danny Cipriani of Bath Rugby during the Gallagher Premiership Rugby Match between Bath Rugby and Bristol Bears at the Recreation Ground on 5 March 2022. Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK
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