WORCESTER Warriors has at last been named a Premiership side.

The Sixways club, winners of the National One title back on April 3, was finally given the green light yesterday to join the elite.

The board of England Rugby Ltd was to accept Worcester's rise last week until a possible legal challenge from relegated Rotherham delayed proceedings.

ERL said it had little choice but to look into the validity of that challenge. But yesterday, after taking legal advice, Rotherham's case was thrown out and Worcester were promoted.

"It's been a difficult time for everyone," said Worcester chairman Cecil Duckworth.

"We always knew that we had complied fully with the entry criteria for the Premiership but there has been a lot of mischief made.

"It has delayed us a little, but we've always carried on with our preparation regardless, because everyone at Worcester has faith in what we're trying to achieve."