Worcester Warriors have this evening been placed into administration, the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport have confirmed.

Following the club's suspension from all competitions at 5pm on Monday, the DCMS has acted upon the directors' request for the club to be placed into administration.

A statement on their behalf reads: "We understand the past few months have been difficult for the players, staff and fans of Worcester Warriors Rugby Football Club.

"We have worked around the clock with the club’s directors, the PRL and the RFU to explore all possible options but during this time the owners have been unable to secure new investment for the club.

"In order to give the club the best possible chance of survival, and to protect a significant taxpayer investment, we have today agreed to the directors’ request to place the club into administration.

"We will now apply to the court to appoint administrators and will begin work to explore all possible options to protect creditors and preserve the local rugby offering in Worcester."