WORCESTER Warriors fans are 'not surprised' after a key deadline for bringing rugby back to Sixways was missed. 

Warriors supporters were eagerly awaiting news from the Rugby Football Union (RFU) that would be key to deciding whether their beloved club's long exile would end - but it never came.

The RFU has now revealed its new map forward, with the chairman of the Worcester Warriors Supporters Trust, Marcus Mulcahy, saying he was encouraged following discussions over the weekend.

Mr Mulcahy said the club has effectively applied to join the RFU's mooted new Tier 2 competition.

The RFU previously committed to ensuring the mechanism for any new teams entering the league, and any major changes to the leagues, for the 2025-26 campaign would be decided and announced ahead of the new season.

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However, no announcement was made ahead of the new season, which began on Saturday, September 7. 

Mr Mulcahy told the Worcester News: "It comes as no surprise that we are still awaiting an announcement despite the season kicking off on Saturday.

"It is, however, encouraging that the likes of RFU CEO Bill Sweeney and PRL’s Simon Massie-Taylor have reiterated their wish to see Worcester, Wasps and London Irish return to competitive rugby in Tier 2.

"We are hoping to meet with the ownership at Sixways later this week to discuss the matter further.”

It has been almost five months since Junction 6 Limited, led by Wasps owner Chris Holland, took over the club and announced its plan to return elite-level rugby to Sixways. 

Mr Mulcahy added he was confident the new ownership's work would ensure the Warriors could return provided the RFU's new Tier 2 board accepted their application to join.

An RFU spokesperson said: “The Tier 2 board, which has been established with representatives from the Championship and RFU, is still planning for a revamped league in the 2025-26 season.  

"The board is working with existing Championship clubs on a process for validation against the minimum standards criteria for entry into the new league.  

"Following this process and RFU council approval, an expression of interest for any additional teams to join the league will be issued to the game."
 
We contacted Worcester Warriors but a spokesperson said they were unable to comment at this time.