Worcester Warriors Set for Historic Homecoming at Sixways

Friday marks a landmark moment for Worcester Warriors as the club prepares to step out at Sixways Stadium for the first time in three years. With their return to competitive rugby confirmed, Warriors will host Coventry on Saturday, October 4, in their Championship Rugby season opener. But before that, fans will get a first glimpse of the side at home when they welcome Premiership champions Bath for a pre-season clash this Friday, September 19.

Here’s a look back at the key moments that have brought Worcester from suspension to their long-awaited return:

2019 – Colin Goldring and Jason Whittingham take joint ownership of the Worcester Warriors.

May 2022 – The club lifts the Premiership Cup for the first time in its history.

August 2022 – HMRC issues a winding-up petition, leading to the freezing of Warriors’ accounts.

September 2022 – The government places WRFC Trading Ltd, the club’s operating company, into administration. The RFU suspends Worcester from all rugby competitions.

October 2022 – WRFC Players Ltd, the company responsible for employing players and staff, is formally wound up in court.

December 2022 – The RFU turns down the club’s plans to rejoin rugby in the 2023/24 season, stating that the chosen buyers were unable to meet all requirements. The door remains open if alternative investors can be secured.

February 2023 – The Atlas consortium is appointed, paying a £500,000 exclusivity fee. The RFU later confirms that Worcester will not feature in the 2023/24 Championship. Despite speculation, Atlas confirm they will keep the Worcester Warriors name instead of rebranding as Sixways Rugby.

May 2023 – Supporters gather to explore forming a fans’ trust to safeguard the club’s future.

August 2023 – The Worcester Warriors Supporters Trust becomes the first fully registered supporters trust in English rugby.

September 2023 – Atlas relinquish control, with Loxwood Holdings Ltd taking over as the major stakeholder. Chris Holland, known for rescuing Wasps from administration, acquires a 97% share in Atlas.

September 2023 – Wasps pledge to preserve Worcester Warriors’ identity and clarify that their only interest in Sixways is to lease it for five years, potentially paving the way for their own return.

September 2023 – Wasps also reveal that a loan default led to the transfer of the 97% shareholding to Loxwood. Local MP Robin Walker publicly voices frustration over the lack of transparency.

October 2023 – Atlas are granted an extension to finalise the purchase of the Warriors.

January 2024 – Former players and staff receive compensation through a tribunal ruling for unpaid wages.

February 2024 – Wasps confirm they will not use Sixways as a temporary home ground.

April 2024 – Atlas falls into administration. A new group of companies, funded by Loxwood, acquires the club’s assets.

May 2024 – Loxwood completes the deal with administrators, officially taking control of Worcester Warriors.

November 2024 – The club submits its formal application to join the restructured Championship for the 2025/26 season.

December 2024 – Plans for redevelopments at Sixways are unveiled to the public. Later that month, reports suggest Worcester is one of the leading candidates for a Championship spot.

January 2025 – RFU chief executive Bill Sweeney confirms on BBC Radio Five Live that Worcester’s Championship place has yet to be finalised.

March 2025 – Reports link Matt Everard with the head coach role if Worcester return to action, though the club clarifies that no contracts have been signed.

April 2025 – Worcester announces their official return to the Championship during a press event at Sixways.

May 2025 – Matt Everard is formally named head coach, and the club begins unveiling its squad for the upcoming campaign, starting with fan favourite Matt Kvesic.

September 2025 – Warriors step onto the field in front of fans for the first time since their suspension, facing Ampthill away in a pre-season match.

September 2025 – The club completes its long-awaited homecoming, hosting Bath at Sixways in a special pre-season fixture.