Worcester director of rugby Steve Diamond believes the club’s match against Exeter Chiefs on Sunday will be played as the Warriors continue their battle for survival.
There are doubts whether Worcester’s first encounter of the season at their Sixways headquarters will take place, although they revealed on Tuesday that they have agreed terms with unnamed new buyers who would also provide the finances to host the match.
Agreement reached but nothing signed yet
Although an agreement was reached, it was not signed by Wednesday afternoon due to the Warriors‘ debts of over £25million which includes £6million in unpaid tax.
“It seems that the two owners have managed to find an investor,” Diamond said.
“We’ve got no real detail of who they are, it’s in strictest confidence. They’ve assured me that is imminent. And they are rugby fans.
“As far as I’m concerned the game’s on. I’ve been told nothing untoward. We’re preparing as though the game is on. We’re on BT. All buttons are being pressed.
“All money is welcomed and I think the current owners are doing everything behind the scenes to ensure that the game goes on, which means staff being paid, suppliers been paid and casual workers coming in.”
Diamond is amongst the club’s rugby department who were not paid for the month of August, while staff on the non-rugby side only received 65 per cent of their salary for last month.
The 54-year-old has not been involved in the discussions with the new owners and claims to know no more details than what was revealed in the most recent statement.
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“There’s a lot of artillery been aimed at the owners, rightly or wrongly,” Diamond said.
“I think they are genuinely trying to do the best for the situation and they know I have a lot of experience and I don’t need an arm around me in this situation.
“What I require and what the club, players, sponsors and supporters require, is for this to be done as quickly as possible.
“If people aren’t paid and suppliers aren’t paid then I don’t think logistically the game can go on.
Still confident
“However, sat here at 11.30am, I’m pretty confident the game will go on from what information I’ve been given this morning.
“So big things like stewarding, ambulances – all the sort of normal stuff which nobody sees – are in place.
“Catering is being put in place. I find it difficult to believe that statement would be made to the national press yesterday if it can’t be fulfilled.”