Worcester Warriors have finally addressed their bid to rejoin English rugby’s second tier, with fans left in limbo since the club submitted its application back in November.
Despite multiple reports suggesting the Warriors were frontrunners, no official confirmation had arrived—leaving supporters anxious as the clock ticked down. Even RFU chief executive Bill Sweeney played it cool on BBC Radio 5 Live, refusing to confirm anything.
With time running out to recruit and prepare for a potential 2025/26 return, the club has now spoken publicly for the first time in months, reassuring fans that discussions with the RFU are ongoing.
In a statement, the club confirmed:
“We have fully complied with all RFU requirements in the tender process for entry into the Tier 2 Competition, set to launch in the 2025/26 season.
“While this has been an in-depth and extremely thorough process, we remain committed to ensuring that all necessary criteria are met. We continue to engage with the RFU and all key stakeholders daily, and our objective to return rugby to Sixways has not wavered.
“We appreciate the patience and support of our fans, partners, and the wider rugby community throughout this journey, and we look forward to announcing the outcome of our application in the coming weeks.”
A definitive answer is still up in the air, but at least Warriors fans now know the club is still fighting for a return. The wait continues.
Three England stars who won’t play for their country after the 2025 Six Nations
The 2025 Six Nations could mark the final chapter for several England internationals. With youth on the rise and Steve Borthwick looking ahead to the 2027 World Cup, some experienced faces are set to step aside.
ere are three players who may don the red rose for the last time next year.
George Ford – The Smith era has begun
A tactical genius and a key figure in England’s past triumphs, George Ford’s international career seems to be winding down. The 31-year-old fly-half hasn’t featured in the Six Nations this year, and with Fin Smith and Marcus Smithleading the charge, his chances of reclaiming the No.10 jersey look slim.
Ford’s experience and game management are undeniable, but the new generation of playmakers has arrived. Barring an injury crisis, the 2025 Six Nations could be his last dance in an England shirt.
Elliot Daly – The versatile veteran
Daly is still in the mix, starting against Italy this weekend, but his long-term place in the squad is far from certain. A trusted servant for England, the 31-year-old has been a Swiss Army knife for the backline, covering fullback, wing, and centre.
However, with Freddie Steward locking down the 15 jersey, young wingers Immanuel Feyi-Waboso and Tommy Freeman making waves, and an ultra-competitive midfield, Daly could find himself phased out post-2025.
He’ll always be remembered for that Lions penalty from halfway, but his time in an England shirt looks to be entering its final stretch.
Ben Spencer – A stopgap selection?
The 2025 Six Nations squad saw Ben Spencer earn a recall, but it feels like a short-term fix rather than a long-term revival.
Once tipped as a successor to Ben Youngs, Spencer has been leapfrogged by the likes of Alex Mitchell and Harry Randall, while rising stars like Raffi Quirke lurk in the background.
His international dream isn’t completely over, but the odds of him being around beyond 2025? Slim
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