STOURBRIDGE have been relegated from the National League system after their 34-33 defeat at local rivals Bournville on Saturday.

Needing to win with a bonus-point to have any chance of avoiding relegation from the National League 2 West, Stourbridge were edged out in a thrilling match by third-bottom Bournville, who took a big step towards their own safety in the league with a bonus-point victory. 

But what does that mean for Worcester Warriors?

Why this could have a big impact on the future of Warriors is down to the plans proposed by soon-to-be new owners Jim O'Toole and James Sandford, who said over a month ago that Stourbridge's first team would be coming to Sixways to form a new-look Worcester Warriors. 

But they were always going to have to start from wherever Stourbridge ended up and relegation means they will now play in the Midlands 1 division.

That certainly throws a spanner in the works of Atlas' - O'Toole and Sandford's company that is lined up to buy the rugby club - plans to bring Warriors back into the Championship.

They would require three promotions back-to-back before reaching the second-tier competition in England. 

The Midlands 1 is an amateur competition so there are also potential difficulties there over player contracts now Stourbridge are not in the National Leagues.

But with still no confirmation over the takeover from Atlas, rugby next season continues to look unlikely.