WORCESTER Rugby Club have dismissed Coventry's scheme to buy Premiership One Bedford as a scheme destined for the Rugby Football Union's dustbins.

Sixways owner Cecil Duckworth and chief executive Geoff Cooke believe the proposed buy-out will be blocked by the RFU.

Coventry owner Keith Fairbrother has stunned the rugby world by announcing he aims to run Bedford as Coventry Blues in Premiership One and Coventry in Premiership Two -- with both clubs ground sharing at Coundon Road.

But Duckworth said the rules, which blocked Worcester's deal to swap places with Manchester Sale, will also scupper the Coventry plan.

He said rules set down in May mean no club can buy another mid-season.

"If it goes through it will be unbelievable," said Duckworth.

Deal

"The same rules applied to our deal with Sale, so if the RFU did approve it, we would have to take a view.

"We've heard they've had difficulties paying wages and honouring cheques so we've been sceptical about their ability to survive but other than that it's a total surprise."

Chief executive Geoff Cooke has been equally surprised by the Coventry plan which yet again opens up rugby's painful sores.

"I don't know what to make of it until I find out the details but anything like this has to be approved by the RFU," he said.

"Coventry would not be allowed to buy Bedford under the present regulations so we need to find out what the hell's going on."

The controversial scheme will be discussed at an English Rugby Partnership board meeting on Thursday.