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Worcester Warriors Officially Confirmed for Revamped Championship Return

Three years after entering administration, the Warriors secure their place in English rugby's second tier with financial guarantees and debt repayment commitments.

Rugby Union - Worcester Warriors - Sixways Stadium, Worcester, Britain - October 8, 2022 General view of Worcester Warriors' Sixways Stadium. Action Images via Reuters/Carl Recine/File Photo
There are high hopes that this is a new dawn for Worcester (Photo: Getty)
Lawrence, now at Bath, was one of the players forced to find a new club when Worcester went bust
Scotland star Duhan van de Merwe used to play for Worcester Warriors (Photo: Getty)

Overview

  • Worcester Warriors will rejoin professional rugby in the 2025-26 season as part of an expanded 14-team Championship, including 12 existing clubs and one promoted team from National League One.
  • The club's return follows rigorous RFU requirements, including a financial security guarantee and commitments to repay debts to rugby creditors and government bodies by the end of 2025.
  • Under new ownership by Chris Holland, Worcester has been assembling a competitive squad and preparing Sixways Stadium for multi-sport and commercial use to ensure financial sustainability.
  • The RFU is exploring a rebranding of the Championship and a potential joint television deal with the Premiership to boost visibility and revenue for English rugby.
  • Worcester's re-entry has drawn mixed reactions, with some clubs expressing frustration over their direct inclusion rather than starting at the bottom of the league system.