WORCESTER Warriors fans feel they are in a 'fabulous position' to return to elite-level rugby after the club announced they will express an interest in returning to the league.

The club's owner Chris Holland has confirmed Warriors have received a formal invitation from the Rugby Football Union to submit an expression of interest to return to professional rugby. 

Mr Holland said Warriors will submit an expression of interest next week and, should they be accepted, they would re-enter the pyramid in the planned 'Tier 2' competition, which will become the new second tier of English Rugby. 

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The Worcester Warriors Supporters Trust chair, Marcus Mulcahy, told the Worcester News the latest news was another hugely positive step in the right direction.

A statement by Mr Holland said: "Worcester Warriors can confirm that we have received the formal invitation from the RFU to submit our expression of interest to return to the second tier of the professional game in England. 

"The deadline for submission is Sunday, October 13. 

"The Warriors will be submitting their expression of interest next week."

Mr Mulcahy, who has been in regular contact with the RFU and Worcester Warriors bosses in recent months, added: "The pieces of the jigsaw are coming together. 

"We think Warriors are in a fabulous position to win a place in Tier 2 through the RFU tendering process. 

"Sixways already has amazing facilities and the plans for future development look really exciting. 

"There is a dire need for a professional rugby club in the area to represent the counties of Worcestershire, Herefordshire, Shropshire and parts of the West Midlands. We believe the Warriors can once again fill that void. 

"The ownership of the club has instilled a new confidence in all who work at Sixways Stadium."

The Warrior's bid will now be judged around its ability to meet the minimum operating standards and to demonstrate financial viability. 

Warriors will also be judged on whether their aims align with the RFUs 
central objectives to make Tier 2 competitive, and commercially successful and to offer rugby to a wide range of geographical areas. 

The news comes hot on the heels of a planning application to revamp Sixways Stadium being submitted. 

Plans include demolishing and rebuilding two stands as well as building a hotel at Sixways.