Championship bid 'good news' for Warriors fans

Worcester Warriors fans have been hoping that rugby would return to the club since 2022

Fans of former Premiership club Worcester Warriors say the owner's intention to apply for a potential place in the Championship is "a step in the right direction" after two years of uncertainty over its future.

The Rugby Football Union (RFU) formally invited Warriors, who went into administration in 2022, to consider being part of the proposed new-look second-tier on Monday.

The deadline for any expression of interest is 13 October and Warriors' owner Christopher Holland has said that will be made "next week".

"Presumably the application will be complex but it's refreshing that there's a deadline coming very soon," Warriors Supporters Trust chairman Marcus Mulcahy told BBC Hereford and Worcester.

'Enticing prospect'

This latest news comes days after Holland, who assumed control of Warriors just over a year ago, announced new plans for the club's Sixways home that include redevelopment of the West and North Stands at the ground, a multi-storey car park, a golf driving range and a solar farm.

A five-figure sum has also been allocated to refurbish the artificial pitch and, off the field, a new logo and websites are in production.

"We've had several good news stories coming out of the last week and this is just another another step in the right direction as far as we're concerned," Mulcahy said.

"It's another good news story."

The RFU's invitation applies to all interested clubs who meet the minimum standard criteria to compete at tier-two level.

Those include clubs being financially sustainable as well as meeting other obligations such as growing fanbases and commercial activities.

The precise make-up of the Championship beyond this season has yet to be confirmed and a number of clubs have expressed concerns about its finances.

"We've no idea who many other clubs will be interested in applying but have they done the groundwork? It's a pretty rapid process," Mulcahy said.

"Preparations for next season - by Christmas, you'd expect clubs to have started recruiting coaches and players.

"But it can't be anything other than a step forward. Because we're in regular contact with the ownership, we're very confident over what they're trying to do.

"Chris Holland and everyone else at Sixways want to get rugby back and that's the most important thing.

"Let's hope it's a step nearer - it's an enticing prospect for next season."