"Ugly situation’ – Prem rugby players remain unpaid

Friday, 19 September 2025 at 09:25

byRugby Rucker

Several former Worcester Warriors players have yet to receive the money owed to them more than three years after the club collapsed into administration, the RFU has confirmed.

revealed around 20 ex-players, former director of rugby Steve Diamond and other staff are all still chasing payments.

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A report in The Times

Despite the off-field issues, Warriors are set for a sold-out return to Sixways on Friday night, when they host Bath in a pre-season friendly. A guard of honour is planned for the players as the club looks to turn the page.

The RFU insisted that settling creditors was a key condition for Worcester’s route back to professional rugby. While the club has already repaid a “significant amount,” some claims are still being handled by an independent adjudicator.

Warriors have been offered a conditional place in the Championship and are keeping both the RFU and Champ Rugby Board updated.

The governing body added that outstanding claims should be resolved “as quickly as possible” – but warned sanctions remain an option if payments are not made.

Sir Ian McGeechan has ranked the top 10 wingers ever, his picks are controversial

British & Irish legend and respected rugby scribe Sir Ian McGeechan has selected his top 10 greatest wingers to have ever graced the game...

10. Rory Underwood (England)

Underwood is a former English rugby union player renowned for his speed and try-scoring prowess. Playing primarily as a wing, he earned 85 caps for England from 1984 to 1996, scoring 49 tries, and also represented the British & Irish Lions.

McGeechan wrote: "Maybe not quite as clever as some of the others but a lethal finisher who was exceptionally quick and very, very strong."

9. Shane Williams (Wales)

Whether it was a "jinking" run or a "jinking" step to evade the embrace of his opponent, Williams would often stagger belief with his abrupt movement—both with and without the ball.

McGeechan wrote: "Defied convention because he was so small, but he was powerful and sharp. Wales have not been the same attacking force since he finished. He could raise their game on his own."

8. Ieuan Evans (Wales)

Evans is a legendary Welsh rugby union player famous for his skill and leadership as a wing. With 72 caps for Wales from 1987 to 1998, he scored 33 tries and captained the national team, also representing the British & Irish Lions.

McGeechan wrote: "Always one of my favourites because of my experiences with him as a British and Irish Lion. Like all the Welsh wingers, he had such a good sidestep but could combine acceleration with that. He was a superb finisher, especially in tight situations."

7. Bryan Habana (South Africa)

A World Cup winner in 2007, he chalked up records quicker than he sprints past opponents, scoring ten tries in his first ten Tests and 15 in his first 20.

McGeechan wrote: "Equal record-holder with Lomu on number of RWC tries. Very powerful and if you get him to within 5m of the line, he probably scores more tries than anyone else."

6. John Kirwan (New Zealand)

Kirwan is a celebrated New Zealand rugby union player and coach. Known for his remarkable try-scoring ability, he played as a wing for the All Blacks from 1984 to 1994. Post-retirement, he became a successful coach and mental health advocate.

McGeechan wrote: "Made such an impression at the first Rugby World Cup in 1987. He was one of the first big wingers but he could also score tries from 60m out. He maybe did not have a great sidestep but his running angles were superb."

5. Jason Robinson (England)

Playing as a wing or fullback, the 2003 World Cup-winner won 51 rugby union international caps for England and is the first black man to captain the England team. Throughout his career Robinson was noted for his speed and acceleration, side-step and ability to beat defenders.

McGeechan wrote: "He made such an impact on the game when moving from rugby league. He had dazzling feet that meant he so often beat the first defender and, like most top wingers, you could play off him as well as him being such a devastating finisher."

4. Jeff Wilson (New Zealand)

Wilson, nicknamed "Goldie," is a former New Zealand rugby union player celebrated for his versatility as a wing and fullback. Playing for the All Blacks from 1993 to 2001, he earned 60 caps and was also an accomplished cricketer.

McGeechan wrote: "Just a brilliant rugby player with vision and skill. I really enjoyed watching him. He played international cricket too and it backs up my belief that so many of the best players play different sports."

3. Gerald Davies (Wales)

Davies is a Welsh rugby union icon, renowned for his exceptional agility and speed as a wing. Playing for Wales from 1966 to 1978, he earned 46 caps, scoring 20 tries, and also represented the British & Irish Lions. Post-retirement, he became a respected sports journalist and administrator.

McGeechan wrote: "He was so skilful, and could play centre as well, and had a wonderful sidestep. You knew that if you provided him with some space he would beat not just one defender, but two or three."

2. David Campese (Australia)

Campese, also known as Campo, is a former Australian rugby union player (1982-1996), who was capped by the Wallabies 101 times, and played 85 Tests at wing and 16 at fullback. He was famous for his "goose-step" — a hitch-kick motion which left opponents stumbling to try to tackle him

McGeechan wrote: He was another game-changer: different but clever. He won games for Australia on his own and often gave his country a confidence about their rugby that they did not always have before."

1. Jonah Lomu (New Zealand)

The New Zealander remains the joint all-time top try scorer at the Rugby World Cup along with Bryan Habana, crossing the whitewash on 15 different occasions across the 1995 and 1999 tournaments. The easiest selection in any greatest ever XV and an easy selection as number one on a list of the best rugby wingers.

McGeechan wrote: "He simply changed the game and drew non-rugby people to watch the sport. He arrived at a time when professionalism was imminent and his impact, both on the field and off it as a rugby superstar, is still felt now."