'Worcester Warriors are no more'; fans react to major story

On Thursday, February 9, the new owners at Sixways, Atlas Worcester Warriors RFC Ltd, confirmed their new plans for the future at the rugby club.

READ MORE | Warriors are no more as Atlas reveal plans for 'new era' at Sixways

READ MORE | Stourbridge still have to vote through decision to agree on Sixways move

They have an agreement in principal with local side Stourbridge RFC, to bring them to the Sixways stadium and rebrand them as 'Sixways Rugby' from next season.

It is a story that has sent shockwaves through the rugby community, and supporters, as well as old players and coaches, have responded to on social media. 

Absolutely gutted. Worcester Warriors is the team I support/supported and none else. I had an affinity with what the club was..I have no emotional connection with this new proposed name at all. Was always against it from the beginning

— AJ Bailey ™ (@ajbails) February 9, 2023

Absolutely gutted to read about @WorcsWarriors. Not sure how this has been allowed to happen. Fingers crossed it’s not too late for some common sense to intervene. The community and supporters deserve more than this.

— Matt Garvey (@MattGarvey5) February 9, 2023

@JamesSandford4 @JimOToole this isn't what was promised to fans? Rugby at sixways yes, but giving a fanbase hope they'll have their team to support then just getting rid of it? Not to mention the rugby creditors? @BegbiesTrnGroup surely this would have been part of their plan? https://t.co/itUrVNljQv

— Murray McCallum (@m4gnet_) February 9, 2023

Disgraceful and appears very underhand. Jason and Colin version 2.0. Not paying what’s owed to the people who fought to keep it going. @BegbiesTrnGroup have some questions to answer! Cecil Duckworth legacy destroyed.

— Nick Easter (@nick_easter) February 9, 2023

So no elite rugby at sixways next year? Is this the first of many misdirections? I'm gutted. I fear all those people cautioning us again Atlas might have been right. Team not named after the city nor are warriors 😢 why would the RFU let them in the champ in 2026 after this?

— Matt (@northstandwwrc) February 9, 2023

Stourbridge RFC to move 20 miles to play at Sixways? Madness. This will uproot a community club on a hope and a prayer they’ll survive in new territory. I fear they’ll simply end up killing a second club. https://t.co/whPJMgp6Kt

— Adam Brown (@AdamBrown850) February 9, 2023

Disgusting
Absolutely disgusting
What we feared has come true

Worcester Warriors is no more and never will be

This process means no rugby creditor will be paid what they are owed.

People have a lot to answer for https://t.co/AQshaoVw4V

— Luke Broadley (@luke_broadley) February 9, 2023

Stourbridge have confirmed that this proposal is subject to a members vote. 

But the prospect of losing Worcester Warriors for good is starting to settle in for people.

Jason Clay said this on Facebook: "A sad day for our city. Mr Duckworth's legacy destroyed and now the club completley destroyed. All in the name of greed, like many I'll need a lot of persuading to go back to Sixways again." 

Nick Franklin added: "What a complete disaster for Worcester Rugby. Very very sad day for Worcester city."

Doesn't sound like Paul Timpton is going to be turning up to support 'Sixways' Rugby: "Absolute disgrace boycott this shambles and support grassroots."