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RFU statement: The Worcester Premiership match versus Exeter
By Liam Heagney
This Sunday’s Gallagher Premiership match between Worcester and Exeter at Sixways has been given permission by the RFU to proceed as planned. Saturday’s Worcester women’s cup match versus Haelquins will also be played.
An RFU statement issued at 1:14pm on Friday read: “Worcester Warriors have met a midday deadline set by the RFU to provide assurances in relation to the receipt of a general safety certificate from the local authority and written confirmation of medical provision. Therefore, this weekend’s Gallagher Premiership and Allianz Cup matches will go ahead.
“We recognise this has been a difficult and uncertain time for all of Worcester Warriors players, staff and fans - as well as the opposition teams - we are pleased that the matter has been resolved. The RFU, Premiership Rugby and DCMS will continue to work with Worcester Warriors owners regarding funding and potential new ownership proposals in the coming days.”
It was Thursday night when an RFU statement initially warned that Worcester would be suspended at midday on Friday if they were unable to provide the general safety certificate necessary to allow matches to go ahead at Sixways. “The RFU, PRL and DCMS have been seeking assurances from the Worcester Warriors owners regarding funding and potential new ownership proposals for several weeks," they explained
“All parties are concerned that the lack of available funds will not allow the club to hold matches safely for players and spectators, and for ongoing medical provision for players. In particular, the local authority have not yet provided the club with a general safety certificate to allow matches to be played at Sixways Stadium.”
With this 12:00 noon Friday deadline set, Worcester took to Twitter shortly before that cut-off point and posted: “We have been given dispensation from Premiership Rugby to delay the team announcement for Sunday until it has been confirmed whether the match will go ahead. We are working hard to ensure that everything is in place but we will update when we have more news.”
Around the same time, Exeter tweeted: "Our scheduled team announcement due for 12 noon has been delayed until 2pm. Further clarity over whether our game with Worcester is being sought with Premiership Rugby and other interested parties."
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Latest Comments
Does anyone know a way to loook at how many mins each player has played whilst on tour?
Go to commentsIt certainly needs to be cherished. Despite Nick (and you) highlighting their usefulness for teams like Australia (and obviously those in France they find form with) I (mention it general in those articles) say that I fear the game is just not setup in Aus and NZ to appreciate nor maximise their strengths. The French game should continue to be the destination of the biggest and most gifted athletes but it might improve elsewhere too.
I just have an idea it needs a whole team focus to make work. I also have an idea what the opposite applies with players in general. I feel like French backs and halves can be very small and quick, were as here everyone is made to fit in a model physique. Louis was some 10 and 20 kg smaller that his opposition and we just do not have that time of player in our game anymore. I'm dying out for a fast wing to appear on the All Blacks radar.
But I, and my thoughts on body size in particular, could be part of the same indoctrination that goes on with player physiques by the establishment in my parts (country).
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