Worcester Rugby Football Club
Westons Fields, Offerton Lane
Hindlip
Worcester
WR3 8TR
10 February 202
By email
Chairman@WRFC.info
To all Members of WRFC
Dear Member
Re: Atlas – Stourbridge RFC Proposal
We have now had some 24 hours to reflect on the news yesterday of the proposed partnership between Stourbridge RFC and Atlas, the new Sixways owners. I have also had the opportunity to talk to many people and watch with interest the unfolding story on social media. I apologise my message today is a little long, but I think it is important to remind members and the wider public of our own history as well offer our initial views on the Atlas proposal.
The Atlas Announcement
I know I share the views of many when I say it was with considerable sadness that we learned from social media about the Atlas plans to move Stourbridge RFC’s first team rugby to Sixways and the final demise of the Worcester Warriors. This was the first we knew of the plan and are disappointed that the RFU, Stourbridge RFC nor Atlas felt able to speak to us beforehand, especially as we may have the Stourbridge team located just 200 yards away and playing only one league above our own first team. I will say more about this later.
Cecil Duckworth’s Legacy
We were equally dismayed at what now appears to be the permanent loss of the Warriors and that the thousands of loyal fans who have supported the Warriors over the years will no longer be able to enjoy Cecil Duckworth’s legacy of Premiership Rugby in Worcester - something he was so passionate about.
Worcester Warriors emerged from WRFC some 25 years ago as the professional game was established across the UK. It was a brave decision by the Club members but, at the time, Worcester was flying high in the amateur game, WRFC owned the extensive facilities at Sixways and Cecil, a well-known and liked local businessman, was prepared to invest his own money to realise an ambition shared by everyone in the city.
It was a great time for WRFC (I know – I played for the new Warriors team) but as the demands on the professional game grew it became apparent to all concerned that the Warriors and WRFC had to go their separate ways and in 2016 we formally split. Cecil bought our old site and WRFC bought and moved across the road to our current home on Weston’s fields. We continued to work closely with the Warriors and had built up a close relationship with the Warriors community team sharing facilities and expertise. We strongly believe that as separate clubs, working together, we could provide the very best that the professional and amateur games had to offer.
We have, all along, fully supported the prospect of the Warriors and elite rugby returning to Sixways. Indeed, Steve Diamond had already reached out to WRFC to explore how the two clubs could work more closely. As we have already said we are ready to work any new owner that can facilitate the return of elite rugby at Sixways and continue the legacy of our great but sadly departed friend Cecil Duckworth.
WRFC Today
The foundations laid by the WRFC Committee in 2016 have enabled our now 151-year-old Club to emerge stronger from the disruption cause by Covid. As members know we are enjoying growth in playing numbers (around 700) with success on the pitch, increasing numbers of fans and support from our amazing local businesses community. Our extensive grounds on both sides of Pershore Lane are owned by you, the membership, and careful financial management has allowed the Club to continue to invest in both rugby and the estate. Reflecting this success, the Club recently announced the decision to build a stand and will be seeking planning permission later this month with the stand expected to be completed before next season.
We also have ambitious plans for rugby and Jonny Arr our newly appointed head coach and former Warriors stalwart is already planning for next season. As members know we do not pay our players to play which is, in part, why we do not face some of the financial challenges faced by other clubs.
The Atlas Proposal – Stourbridge RFC
Atlas will be the fourth owners of Sixways since the separation between our two clubs underlining the financial and practical challenges of running a professional rugby club.
The immediate reaction from most players and members I have talked to is one of concern for the future of our men’s 1st team and our feeder teams. There is understandably worry that Stourbridge, playing some 200 yards away, will as a semi-professional team, seek to poach our players and undermine the successful playing structure we have worked so hard to establish.
We have had a long rugby association with Stourbridge and regard the club as a rival on the pitch but a friend off the pitch. We understand the Stourbridge club is going through a difficult time and that the club needs to look at its options to survive and thrive in what we all recognise as the increasingly challenging world of professional and amateur sport.
We do not believe the proposal has been fully thought through and hope the membership of Stourbridge RFC, who are meeting tonight, consider the wider impact of the Atlas plan.
The RFU
We understand the RFU will consult on the proposal. We had, earlier this year, extended an invitation to Bill Sweeney, the Chief Executive of the RFU to visit us and I will be reiterating the invitation today. It is sad the RFU have not felt it necessary to talk to us about the Warriors demise or the Stourbridge proposal. We can offer considerable insight about the local game and how best the professional and amateur game can be served in this area. The amateur game, more than ever, needs strong national and local leadership and direction to ensure it can survive.
Next Steps
It is not for us to tell Stourbridge RFC or Atlas how to run their business and we need to concentrate on our Club and plans - as we have done for the last 151 years. However, we do hope the RFU, Atlas and Stourbridge will think carefully about how this proposal will impact on rugby locally and the future of both WRFC and Stourbridge RFC.
We very much look forward to speaking with the RFU, Atlas and Stourbridge to share our views on the proposal and hope the right decision is made.
I have taken the liberty of sharing this letter, which has been posted on our website, with all the relevant parties.
Finally, I look forward to seeing you at our home games on the 18th February – our sponsors day – and no doubt discussing the events of the last few weeks.
With best wishes
Steve Lloyd
Chair
CC
Richard Baron, President Stourbridge RFC
Jim O’Toole – Atlas
Mr Bill Sweeny Chief Executive Officer RFU
Malcolm Harris, Chairman, North Midlands RFU
Steve Diamond
Mr Robin Walker MP
Councillor Sinton, Chairman of Wychavon District Council
Julie Palmer, Administrator, Begbies Traynor
Worcester Evening News
BBC Hereford and Worcester
