WORCESTER Warriors could be forced to rest a host of their overseas stars against Gloucester this weekend to net a £120,000 windfall for meeting their English-qualified players (EQP) targets.
Both the RFU and Premier Rugby reward teams that include an average of at least 14 EQP in their match-day 23-man squads with cash incentives twice a season.
The Sixways side need to boost their tally in Saturday’s final Guinness Premiership outing of the year to hit their goal.
Worcester achieved their totals to qualify for the first half of the season’s funding, but need to field 17 EQP against the Cherry ‘N’ Whites to hit their second RFU target, while a more managable nine are needed for the Premier Rugby quota.
However, Warriors’ attempt to secure their share of funding for the second half of the season makes it likely departing centre Sammy Tuitupou has played his last game for the club, while former All Black lock Greg Rawlinson and Tongan front-rowers Tevita Taumoepeau and Aleki Lutui could also miss out.
Sixways general manager Charlie Little explained: “It is an important game for us in terms of setting things up for pre-season and our next campaign.
“Andrew Stanley (caretaker boss) is involved and he is looking at one or two changes but, as with the last five or six games, we have half-an-eye on the EQP target.
“Since Christmas we have played 13 games and we need to have fielded 182 EQP. Currently, we stand on 165, so we need 17 to hit our RFU target.
“You have to assume we’ll have the nine EQP in the squad, which nets us a bit more money, while if we can put out 17 it would be worth £50,000.”
Meanwhile, Chris Cracknell and James Collins have been called to face an RFU disciplinary hearing at the Royal Courts of Justice next Tuesday.
The back-row pair will answer misconduct charges relating to their alleged involvement in a touchline fracas at Headingley on April 25, immediately after the club’s relegation had been confirmed by a defeat to Leeds.
Cracknell is charged with ‘dragging a member of the public over the hoardings in such a manner that he fell to the ground’ and Collins is accused of swearing at a supporter.
The spectators involved were the players’ fathers, who had been arguing in the stands.
Warriors are poised to announce a new shirt sponsorship deal in the coming days.
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