Worcester Warriors are thought to be on the brink of being sold, securing funding that would assure the club’s short-and long-term future.
It was reported yesterday evening that the preferred buyer is not the consortium led by Jim O’Toole, the club’s former chief executive.
The RFU still need to give its approval to any new owners as Worcester look to avoid administration and associated sanctions
Its thought that Steve Diamond will be given a considerable budget to strengthen his small squad.
The Worcester boss missed out on a number of targets this summer due to their financial woes but will scour the free agent market.
Below, we look at five possible transfer targets who are still without a club at present.
POSSIBLE TRANSFER TARGETS:
#1. Mike Brown
- Age: 36
- Position: Fullback
- Caps: 72
Brown, who has already revealed he will pursue a career as an agent when he hangs up his boots, was at one point being lined up as a potential replacement for Simon Hammersley at Sale after the fullback quit. However, they eventually went with the cheaper option of Jason Woodward following his release by Gloucester.
Ealing, Worcester and French club Agen also remain in the race for the experienced speedsters signature.
Mike Brown of Harlequins celebrates with the trophy on his final day as a Harlequin during the Gallagher Premiership Cup Final between Exeter Chiefs and Harlequins at Twickenham Stadium June 26, 2021 in London, England (Photo by Tom Sandberg/PPAUK
#2. Luther Burrell
- Age: 32
- Position: Centre
- Caps: 15
32-year-old centre Burrell is also weighing up his options after he was released by Newcastle Falcons. There's no word currently on where he might end up.
Luther Burrell of Northampton Saints during the Gallagher Premiership Semi Final Rugby match between Exeter Chiefs and Northampton Saints at Sandy Park on May 25th 2019, Exeter, Devon. Photo: Cameron Geran/PPAUK
Pablo Matera
- Age: 28
- Position: Back-row
- Country: Argentina
- Caps: 78
One and done. It’s been confirmed Argentina captain Matera won’t be back for a second year at the Crusaders in New Zealand, meaning he’s now a free agent.
The hard-nosed Puma, who played for Leicester Tigers between 2013 and 2014, has joined with a second division Japanese team though their season doesn't start until next year.
Pablo Matera of Argentina on the break slipping the tackle from Sam Underhill of England Rugby and then tackled by Alex Lozowski of England Rugby during the International Old Mutual Wealth Series match between England v Argentina on 11th November 2017 at Twickenham Stadium, London, England (Photo:Phil Mingo/PPAUK),
#4. Marland Yarde
- Age: 30
- Position: Winger
- Caps: 13
Sources in Australia have informed The Rugby Paper ‘that the former England flyer has signed up with an Aussie agent to look for opportunities to further his career.’
The 30-year-old, who won 13 caps for England between 2013 and 2017, hasn’t played for his current club Sale Sharks since January 7, when he played 62 minutes of the defeat at the hands of Bristol Bears.
He made nine appearances for the Sharks, scoring two tries this season and also had a lengthy spell on the sidelines with a shoulder injury.
#5. Danny Cipriani
- Age: 34
- Position: Fly-half
- Caps: 16
The 34-year-old announced earlier this year that he intends to move abroad after his only season at the Rec but could yet extend his playing career in the United States, France or Japan.
Despite the Dallas jackals being the early favourites to land the 16-cap fly-half, that move has since stalled according to The Rugby Paper.
They reported last month that Cipriani ‘is waiting on an offer from Japan before he decides on what is likely to be the last move of his career.’
Having still not confirmed his next destination, and due to the fact Cipriani had a good previous relationship with Diamond at Sale, there is no reason why he might not arrive at Sixways on a short term contract.
Danny Cipriani of Bath Rugby during the Gallagher Premiership Rugby Match between Bath Rugby and Bristol Bears at the Recreation Ground on 5 March 2022. Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK
