'Disappointing' Baxter comments haven't landed well in Worcester
Comments made by Exeter Chiefs director of rugby Rob Baxter to the BBC haven't been entirely well received in some parts of the Gallagher Premiership.
Worcester have been suspended from all competitions after failing to meet a Rugby Football Union deadline requesting proof of insurance cover and funding for the club’s monthly payroll at the start of the week.
The Warriors’ debts total more than £25million, including at least £6m in unpaid tax.
Baxter, who previously stated that he believed there might be too many teams in the Gallagher Premiership, ventured on BBC Devon: "It's hard to see them playing any more part in this Premiership season.
"I'm not thinking that this is something which can be sorted out in two or three weeks' time," said Baxter. "It's probably going to shock some people the time it takes to work through.
"At some stage, when the decision gets made as to whether they will be returning or not, there will be an evening out process. But, realistically, how long can it go on for?
"The only thing that might get sorted out in two or three weeks is a decision that they're not taking part in the rest of this season."
Some feel Baxter has overstepped the mark on his fellow Gallagher Premiership colleagues. One worst fan wrote: "Rob Baxter is a magnificent successful DOR. I’m not sure he has any expertise in the Administration period of Prem. rugby clubs or our situation. Perhaps a more appropriate question would be how much of Exe’s much vaunted occasional profit has come from SW Comms “sponsorship”?
Another described his comments as 'disappointing'. "So much for the ‘rugby family’. Disappointing comments from Rob Baxter, is this him seeing the opportunity for a smaller premiership regardless of the cost to Warriors and others?"
So much for the ‘rugby family’. Disappointing comments from Rob Baxter, is this him seeing the opportunity for a smaller premiership regardless of the cost to Warriors and others?
— Garry Lucas 💙 🇪🇺 (@GarryLucas1) September 29, 2022
Another Worcester-aligned account wrote: "Not too sure what these comments achieve apart from creating further anxiety for staff and players. I’d also take a guess they Rob has never been through an insolvency process before so has no idea what it involves. Very irresponsible and unhelpful comments."
Not too sure what these comments achieve apart from creating further anxiety for staff and players.
I’d also take a guess they Rob has never been through an insolvency process before so has no idea what it involves.
Very irresponsible and unhelpful comments @ExeterChiefs
— WRFC fan account (@wrfc1994) September 28, 2022
Another account thought the comments might have been part of a ploy to lure some Worcester players to Sandypark. "A little nudge in trying to unsettle one or more of our players he would like to sign probably. Not very classy."
A little nudge in trying to unsettle one or more of our players he would like to sign probably. Not very classy ........
— John Hope (@beetlebopop) September 29, 2022
Another observed: "The first point is it’s sod all to do with him. Unless he’s got inside info, he’s guessing. Secondly, why does he feel he needs to say any anything? Concentrate on your own issues!"
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He nailed a forward on this tour (and some more back in the NPC before he left lol)!
I know what you mean and see it too, he will be a late bloomer if he makes it for sure.
Go to commentsSo John, the guys you admire are from my era of the 80's and 90's. This was a time when we had players from the baby boomer era that wanted to be better and a decent coach could make them better ie the ones you mentioned. You have ignored the key ingrediant, the players. For my sins I spent a few years coaching in Subbies around 2007 to 2012 and the players didn't want to train but thought they should be picked. We would start the season with ~30 players and end up mid season with around 10, 8 of which would train.
Young men don't want to play contact sport they just want to watch it. Sadly true but with a few exceptions.
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