Worcester statement: Scott Baldwin has left with immediate effect

Ex-Wales hooker Scott Baldwin has been released from his Worcester contract on compassionate grounds. The 33-year-old, who arrived at Sixways last summer after helping Harlequins to Gallagher Premiership title glory, has a serious illness in his family and the Warriors have supported his request to be released from his contract with immediate effect to spend more time with his close family.

“Our thoughts are with Scott and his family at this time,” said Steve Diamond, the lead rugby consultant at Worcester who is now in charge of the onfield rugby operation following last week’s departure of head coach Jonathan Thomas. Diamond will also succeed Alan Solomons as director of rugby at the end of the season. 

“The last few months have been extremely challenging for Scott who has been travelling to and from South Wales. He has now reached the stage where he needs to spend more time in Wales and we fully understand the reasons why he has asked to be released from his contract.

“We thank Scott for his professionalism in his time with Warriors and he leaves with our very best wishes for himself and his family.”

Baldwin was capped 34 times by Wales and made 13 appearances for Worcester in the first half of the season, nine as a starter. His last appearance came last month off the bench versus Toulon in the Challenge Cup.

“I would like to thank the club for how understanding they have been through everything from the top down,” said Baldwin. “It’s not the way I thought - or wanted - my time at Worcester to end, but I have met some great people in my time here all of whom have been supportive of my decision. Thank you to everyone in the club and to the supporters for making my time at Worcester an enjoyable one.”

It was last May when Baldwin courageously spoke with RugbyPass about the gambling addiction that he experienced earlier in his career and the measures he took to get it under control.