Worcester Warriors close in on the signing of England back-rower

Saturday, 05 April 2025 at 12:06

byRugby Rucker

Worcester Warriors are making a sensational return to professional rugby, two and a half years after the club’s devastating collapse into administration.

The Midlands outfit has officially been greenlit by the RFU to join an expanded 14-team Championship for the 2025/26 season — breathing new life into Sixways Stadium and restoring hope to a passionate fanbase.

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RFU Gives the Green Light (But There’s a Catch)

This isn’t just a free pass back into the professional ranks. The RFU’s Tier 2 Board approved Worcester’s inclusion subject to the repayment of creditors. So yes, the Warriors are coming back, but they’ve got some homework to do first.

The application process wasn’t for the faint-hearted, but Worcester — under their new ownership — ticked all the right boxes.

Sixways 2.0: Think Bigger, Bolder… and Greener?

Behind the comeback is Junction 6 Limited, who assumed control of the club in 2023. And they’re not just stopping at rugby.

The group unveiled ambitious plans for the Sixways site, including:

Chairman Christopher Holland confirmed the business has “made significant progress” in stabilising operations while pushing through a "detailed and demanding" RFU application. All signs point to a brighter, greener future for Worcester.

Third Time Lucky? Kvesic Set for Sixways Return

According to Rugby Pass, there's already one familiar face being lined up for the club's Championship reboot: former England flanker Matt Kvesic.

The 32-year-old is reportedly ready for his third spell at the club — an experienced head for a reborn outfit. The RFU confirmed the club's return last week, and it hasn’t taken long for the recruitment wheels to start spinning.

Kvesic first burst onto the scene with the Warriors in 2009 before stints at Gloucester and Exeter Chiefs. He most recently impressed in the Championship with Coventry, and a homecoming feels very on-brand for this next chapter.

Five Big Names Out of 2025 Lions Tour

The 2025 British & Irish Lions tour kicks off in Australia on July 19, with a three-Test series against the Wallabies. Andy Farrell’s squad will be without several big names due to injury, retirement, or club commitments.

1. Ollie Lawrence – Achilles injury ends Lions dream

England centre Ollie Lawrence was widely tipped to make Farrell’s Lions squad before suffering a devastating injury. The Bath star ruptured his left Achilles tendon just nine minutes into England’s 47-24 Six Nations win over Italy, ruling him out for up to a year.

A Premiership Player of the Season in 2023, Lawrence had become a key figure for Steve Borthwick’s England. His explosive running, defensive solidity, and hard-carrying ability made him a strong candidate for the tour. However, with the Lions series beginning in just over three months, his injury has ended any chance of selection.

Lawrence expressed his disappointment on social media: "Lost for words… That’s not how I imagined my season to end! The comeback is always greater than the setback."

Surprise Fact: Lawrence was once in Aston Villa’s football academy before choosing rugby.

2. Stuart Hogg - Won't be considered for selection

Despite making an impressive comeback with Montpellier in the Top 14 after reversing his retirement, off-field issues will rule him out of contention for selection by Lions head coach Andy Farrell, according to RUCK sources.

Surprise Fact: In a tweet, J. K. Rowling insinuated that Hogg was, in fact, a full-fledged Wizard

3. Dan Biggar – No third Lions tour

Welsh fly-half Dan Biggar ruled himself out of the 2025 Lions tour after retiring from international rugby in 2023. With 112 caps for Wales and two previous Lions tours (2017, 2021), he would have been a strong contender for Farrell’s squad. However, he’s enjoying his time in France with Toulon and has no plans to return.

Speaking to TalkSport, Biggar confirmed his decision: "That chapter has closed for me. When I retired from Wales, I thought I might miss it, but I haven’t. I’m really enjoying life in France and the media work I’m doing. If I had stepped away from Wales and missed it, things might have been different. But I feel it was the right time to move on."

Biggar remains a key player for Toulon, where his leadership and tactical kicking continue to impress.

Surprise Fact: Biggar’s pre-kick routine, the ‘Biggar Shuffle,’ was inspired by Elvis Presley.

4. Zach Mercer – Injury and club switch

England No. 8 Zach Mercer will miss the Lions tour after being ruled out for the season with a knee injury. Gloucester confirmed in December that Mercer, who had an outside shot at selection despite being overlooked by England, won’t return this season.

Once named Top 14 Player of the Year with Montpellier, Mercer returned to England in 2023 to chase a World Cup spot but was ignored by Steve Borthwick. Now, Toulon are prepared to buy out his Gloucester contract, meaning Mercer could soon be back in French rugby.

Despite his injury, Mercer was voted Gloucester’s Player of the Year in his debut season, proving his popularity with fans.

Surprise Fact: Mercer captained England U20s to victory in the 2017 World Rugby U20 Championship, beating New Zealand in the semi-finals.

5. Joe Marler – Retirement closes Lions chapter

Veteran prop Joe Marler was a bookies’ favourite to make the 2025 Lions tour, but his international retirement has ended any hopes of a call-up. The 90-cap England loosehead announced his Test retirement after the 2024 Six Nations, confirming he won’t be available for selection.

A dominant scrummager and larger-than-life character, Marler was part of England’s 2019 Rugby World Cup final squad and remained in contention for Steve Borthwick’s team until recently. After missing out on the 2017 and 2021 Lions tours, this was likely his last chance to wear the famous red jersey.

Despite his absence, Marler remains a key figure at Harlequins, where his experience and set-piece prowess continue to be invaluable.

Surprise Fact: Marler once dyed his hair bright blue to raise awareness for mental health charities, showing his commitment to supporting mental well-being in rugby.