FRIDAY will be a historic day in Worcester Warriors’ history as fans can see their side take to the field at Sixways Stadium for the first time in three years.
With a return to competitive rugby imminent, hosting Coventry in their Champ Rugby league opener on Saturday, October 4, the side will take to the pitch this Friday (September 19) for their first home match, hosting Premiership champions Bath.
Worcester News takes you through a timeline of events from suspension through to welcoming Bath.
2019 – Colin Goldring and Jason Whittingham become joint owners of Worcester Warriors.
May 2022 – Warriors win the Premiership Cup for the first time.
August 2022 – The club’s accounts are frozen after a winding up petition is issued by HMRC.
September 2022 – The government places WRFC Trading Limited, the company that owns the rugby club, in administration. The Rugby Football Union (RFU) suspends the club from all rugby competition.
October 2022 – WRFC Players Limited, the company that employs the players and staff, is wound up in court.
December 2022 – RFU rejects the club’s plans for a return to rugby in 2023/24, due to the prospective buyers selected by the administrators being unable to fulfil all the conditions. However, if an alternative buyer could be found the club would still be allowed to operate as a professional club.
February 2023 – ‘Atlas’ consortium are appointed at the club, paying an exclusivity fee of £500,000 and triggering a completion period.
February 2023 – It is confirmed in an RFU statement that Worcester Warriors would not compete in the 2023/24 Championship.
February 2023 – Despite initial suggestions otherwise, Atlas confirm they will keep the ‘Worcester Warriors’ name instead of adopting a new name of ‘Sixways Rugby’.
May 2023 – Worcester Warriors fans meet to discuss plans and establish a Supporters Trust.
August 2023 – Worcester Warriors Supporters Trust becomes the first fully-registered Supporters Trust in English rugby.
September 2023 – A notice of ‘ceasing to be the person in control’ is filed by Atlas, with Loxwood Holdings Ltd being made ‘the person with significant control’. Chris Holland – the man who took Wasps out of administration – takes a 97 percent share of Atlas.
September 2023 – Wasps promise to “protect the brand” of Worcester Warriors, following Loxwood Holdings taking majority ownership. The owners state that they have no interest in the property other than for their original purpose of leasing Sixways Stadium for five years, for a possible return of Wasps.
September 2023 – A statement from Wasps confirms that a loan was not paid back in time, which is what led to 97 percent of shares being transferred to Loxwood. Then Worcester MP Robin Walker speaks out on the “frustrating” lack of information.
October 2023 – Atlas are given a further extension to complete their purchase of Warriors, following the change of ownership.
January 2024 – Former Worcester Warriors players and non-playing staff are rewarded with protective award compensation, following an employment tribunal.
February 2024 – Wasps confirm that Sixways Stadium will not be used as a temporary stadium, should they return to playing.
April 2024 – It is confirmed that Atlas have fallen into administration, with a newly incorporated group of companies, funded by Loxwood, acquiring the business.
May 2024 – Loxwood complete the transaction with administrators for the club.
November 2024 – Worcester Warriors confirm their formal application to England Rugby’s revamped Championship for the 2025/26 season.
December 2024 – Sixways showcase their outline planning for redevelopments to the public.
December 2024 – Leaks emerge that Worcester Warriors are leading the way amongst applicants for a place in the second tier.
READ MORE: Premiership champions visiting Sixways will be ‘exciting for all involved’ – Eden
READ MORE: Warriors return is best thing RFU have done in a while – Ampthill coach Dave Ward
January 2025 – Speaking on BBC Radio Five Live, RFU chief executive Bill Sweeney confirms that despite leaks, Worcester Warriors’ place in the second tier remains unconfirmed.
March 2025 – Leaks emerge that Matt Everard will be appointed as the head coach of the side, should they return. However Worcester Warriors confirm that they have issued “no contracts of employment” to anybody.
April 2025 – Worcester Warriors announce their inclusion in next season’s second tier at a press day, held at Sixways Stadium.
May 2025 – Matt Everard is officially announced as the club’s new head coach.
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May 2025 – Worcester Warriors begin announcing their player signings ahead of their return season – starting with returning player Matt Kvesic.
September 2025 – Worcester Warriors take to the field in front of a crowd for the first time, playing away against Ampthill in a pre-season friendly fixture.
September 2025 – Worcester Warriors will play back at Sixways Stadium for the first time, hosting Premiership champions Bath in a pre-season friendly.
