Duckworth family statement: Financial crisis at Worcester Warriors

The family of the late Cecil Duckworth, the former owner of the Worcester who led the club to their first-ever Premiership promotion in 2004, have issued a statement about the current financial crisis that has engulfed the Warriors.

Worcester were last week issued with a winding-up petition over an unpaid tax bill reported to be in excess of £6million, generating fears that the Warriors will go into administration before their 2022/23 league campaign commences on September 10.

Current owners Colin Goldring and Jason Whittingham finally broke their silence on Monday about the crisis and it has now been followed by a statement from the Duckworth family that has been published via the Twitter account of former Worcester player Chris Pennell.

It read: "The Duckworth family are very saddened by the recent news at Worcester Warriors. Cecil and others spent many years building up the rugby club and know he would be devastated by the events which are unfolding. Our thoughts are with the staff and players."

It was November 2020 when Duckworth passed away at the age of 83. The benefactor was actively involved with the club from 1997 to 2015, funding the development of Sixways and inspiring the rise of Worcester to the Premiership for the first time 18 years ago.

Ex-England international Andy Goode recently tweeted about the legacy of Duckworth at Worcester. “Cecil Duckworth poured his life and soul into Worcester and I’m sure he is turning in his grave right now with what is happening,” he wrote. “Sad to see the situation at the club he built for many years so thoughts with all the players and staff at Worcester. Hopefully, things get sorted."