THE deadline for improved bids to buy Worcester Warriors out of administration has now passed.

Begbies Traynor (administrators) allowed for new/improved bids following the RFU's decision to reject the Atlas (consortium headed up by Jim O'Toole and James Sandford) bid last month.

The deadline to make any bid was 5PM on Friday, January 13.

But O'Toole and Sandford confirmed to the BBC that they had made an improved offer and that the RFU had reopened communications over their proposed project.

Begbies are now in a position to choose a new preferred bidder, which could still be Atlas, by as early as next week.

The Worcester News approached Julie Palmer, of Begbies, for an update and to ask how many bids were in the frame.

"I can’t disclose how many and nor do I know who might still submit a bid," she said a couple of hours before the deadline.

"Depending on the quantum and conditions of any bids , the robustness of the business plan and funding behind them, plus the ability to proceed and deal with complexities in the sale, we will assess the bids and decide on our approach.

"I do not anticipate making any formal announcement yet. We will likely need further information and clarity on any new bids."

Former director of rugby Steve Diamond has made it known publicly that he was to put a bid together, so one would assume he did just that.

Otherwise, no other group/individual has gone public with any new proposal.