WORCESTER Rugby Club's chief executive Geoff Cooke has labelled the Premiership clubs threat to breakaway from the Rugby Football Union as "absolute nonsense".

The former England and British Lions manager believes last night's decision by the 12 Zurich Premiership clubs to sever links with the RFU unless Rob Andrew's plan is implemented by midday on Monday should be ignored.

And that is despite the fact that such a move would leave promotion-chasing Worcester in limbo.

The 12 clubs have become increasingly frustrated at the deadlock between the RFU, the EFDR (Premiership sides), and the ESDR (National League Division One clubs) over the future of rugby and unanimously voted for the potential breakaway at a meeting at Twickenham.

However, Cooke said the RFU should call the clubs' bluff.

He said: "I think it is an empty threat because if the Premiership clubs breakaway -- where would they go?

"They wouldn't be able to play in Europe and would not be eligible for any RFU associated competition.

"I think if they go then good riddance because there are so many people now within the clubs who shouldn't be in rugby anyway."

Cooke believes the threat will not be followed up, but even if it is, it will not be bad news for Worcester.

"It will open the door for us because there will be another restructure and we'll all start again with us in the top league.

"I won't lose any sleep over it because it's just complete nonsense."

According to Bristol chief executive Nick de Scossa, if the RFU do not meet the ultimatum, the EFDR will step in at noon on Monday to structure the future of the professional game in England.

The RFU Council meets today to discuss the threat.