THE staff and players at Worcester Warriors have had their contracts terminated after part of the club was wound up in court on Wednesday morning. 

The company that employs the players and staff - WRFC Players Limited - was in court on Wednesday morning over their winding up petition issued by the HMRC. 

There were no representatives in the court hearing for the company and so, the company was wound up (liquidated).

This means that contracts are automatically cancelled for all staff and players. They will now all be able to find new jobs. 

WRFC Trading Limited remains in administration and the winding up petition has been suspended. 

Robin Walker, Worcester MP, took to Twitter to share his thoughts. 

A statement from the Rugby Player's Association was released minutes after the confirmation. 

Because they had not been paid for September, all players were able to leave on October 14, meaning that liquidation has simply brought their departure forward by nine days.

Administrators Begbies Traynor are seeking a buyer for WRFC Trading Ltd and are talking to two consortiums, but any successful takeover will bring with it the urgent task of rebuilding the squad.

Worcester’s matches against Gloucester and Harlequins were cancelled on Monday and while they remain suspended from all competitions, they could be restored to the Gallagher Premiership if a buyer is found by the middle of this month.

No definite decision on relegation has been made by the Rugby Football Union and Premiership Rugby, although the chances of continuing in the top flight appear remote considering the lack of time to agree terms with new investors.