Worcester Warriors: Premiership bosses expect relegation

Warriors failed to meet the RFU's 5PM deadline and were consequently suspended from all rugby competition until a solution was found to their financial woes.

The club were also placed into administration later that evening and now administrators, Begbies Traynor, are currently assessing the state of the club, analysing prospective takeover options and looking into any possible malpractice by owners Jason Whittingham and Colin Goldring.

But now focus turns to how and when Worcester will be integrated back into the league if they should be in a position to do so.

Relegation is the automatic punishment for going into administration in season and Gloucester director of rugby George Skivington says that rules are there to be followed.

"I honestly think the rules are in place for a reason," he said.

"Is it fair or unfair? It's not fair on the players, coaches and support staff. Someone should be held accountable at the end of the day."

Exeter's Rob Baxter was also quizzed about Warriors' situation and he does not think Worcester will be allowed back in given how long the administration process can take.

"I'm not thinking that this is something which can be sorted out in two or three weeks' time," he said.

"It's probably going to shock some people the time it takes to work through.

"If people think it's as simple as someone coming in with a certain amount of money and buying what is available and just rolling on, it's so much more complex than that.

"I probably hear bits that other people don't hear from within the rugby environment.

"The situation appears so complicated I don't think anybody is predicting a fast outcome there

"At some stage, when the decision gets made as to whether they will be returning or not, there will be an evening out process," he added. "But, realistically, how long can it go on for?

"The only thing that might get sorted out in two or three weeks is a decision that they're not taking part in the rest of this season."