Trouble in the Champ

Worrying reports

Nearly four years on from rumours of late payments at Worcester Warriors Mk1, it would appear that another club may now be struggling to keep pace with their wage bill. It is reported that fellow Champ Rugby club Cambridge is due to have crisis talks with their playing squad this evening. Although nothing has yet been confirmed by the club, there have been whisperings of unpaid debts at Grantchester Road for some time. Promoted in 2023 from National League One, the "Blood and Sand" have limped along at the bottom of the league for the past three seasons, saved only from relegation by the recent expansion of the tier two competition. Their best result so far this season has been a home draw against Warriors' next opponents Doncaster Knights. The lack of figures in the W column can do nothing to aid a sticky financial position.

As supporters all too familiar with worrying news of club finances, our thoughts are with all those at Cambridge RUFC. We sincerely hope that reports are exaggerated and look forward to our fixture at Sixways on March 21st. **

Cambridge v Warriors 29/11/25 Courtesy of Malcolm Mitchell

Talking of Doncaster Knights, the news that they have decided to return to semi-professional rugby as the only club who are likely to be eligible for potential promotion this season is also a concerning story for Champ Rugby. Although Donny will be struggling to make the play-offs this season they have previously been quite vocal about their ambition to make it to the promised land. With the RFU desperate to reinvigorate the game in Yorkshire it doesn't seem a good time for the Knights to lower their banners.

WWST also stand squarely with the supporters and players of Cardiff and Ospreys who have been left completely in the dark about the shenanigans of the WRU. The governing bodies of the game in both England and Wales seem incapable of making sensible decisions. A 20-club two tier professional league involving clubs from both countries would be a very attractive prospect to supporters, broadcasters and investors alike. How difficult can it be?

Six Nations

With this year's competition soon to kick off at the Stade De France thoughts are inevitably turning towards the international game. For those unsure as to why we are being "treated" to a wet Thursday night start to the championship, it is so as not to clash with the Winter Olympics opening ceremony in neighbouring Italy.

It seems destined to be a quiet weekend for those on the look-out for ex-Warriors. Ollie Lawrence and Fin Smith are both out with injury as is Curtis Langdon. Seb Atkinson looked very much the part on the tour of Argentina but, despite being tipped by many journalists, has failed to make England's matchday squad. Steve Borthwick's incomprehensible blanking of Ted Hill continues and even the "Scottish" try-machine Duhan Van De Merwe has been unceremoniously cast aside. Veteran Josh Adams is, I think, the last Warrior standing; he will be starting his 66th game for Wales having scored 22 tries in his previous 65 games. Interestingly he also played 65 times for Worcester Warriors scoring 39 tries in the process.

I will make one prediction for this weekend's fixtures - Louis Rees-Zammit, starting at Full Back, will score a try against England and the commentators will pretend it's the best they've ever seen.

Ealing Trailfinders supporter petition

With the continued uncertainty about the future of the professional game in England, WWST has been asked to join an, as yet, small WhatsApp group of supporter representatives of the Champ clubs. It has already proved to be a really useful platform for discussing ideas and trying to amplify the voice of club rugby supporters. Although not all Champ clubs have formal Supporter Associations we hope that it will grow organically such that we have representation from all the tier two outfits.

Following on from this we have been made aware of a petition set up by Ealing Trailfinders Supporters' aimed at pressurising the RFU into relaxing their Minimum Standards Criteria and allowing them to contest the two-legged Prem play-off games should they win the Champ play-offs this season.

Unfortunately I am doubtful that it will have much impact on the PRL & RFU executives who will surely stand behind their criteria and financial audit requirements. However, it is great to see another supporter society fighting strongly for their club and hopefully it will spark debate in the rugby pages and airwaves. In 3 days they have managed an impressive 1300 signatures. If you are interested in offering your own succour the petition can be found here.

British Police

Don't forget that Sixways is also host to British Police rugby for the second year running. Their next fixture against the RAF is next Wednesday evening. Hospitality packages are available and tickets are only £10 including parking.

Click on the picture for tickets.

Stadium Seat Cushions

300x300x10mm £7.50 each

Our new WWST lightweight seat pads will be available for sale from the WWST cabin this weekend and prior to every home game. Available in several colours they are waterproof and will insulate your backside from the cold plastic seats of Sixways. Come along and pick one up before the game - the cabin will be open from around 1pm. If you don't fancy the merch just come and say hello!

View online on our merch page.

** Post Script

Statement from Cambridge RUFC

Shortly after initial publication of this post Cambridge Rugby Club posted a response to Neil Fissler's article on their website:

"Cambridge Rugby would like to respond to a recent speculation regarding the club’s financial position.

Like many clubs operating within Champ Rugby, the club is managing a tight but manageable cash-flow position. This has been influenced by reduced matchday income this season, alongside significant sums currently owed to the club by various commercial partners and event bookings, which are being actively pursued.

The Board and executive team are overseeing these matters closely and can confirm that all players and staff on the payroll have been paid in full and on time. The club continues to operate as normal, and all fixtures will be fulfilled as scheduled.

Saturday’s fixture represents a fantastic opportunity to showcase our club, our players and our matchday environment, and the focus across everyone at the club is firmly on delivering a positive performance on and off the field.

Alongside this, work is already well underway on plans for next season, with preparations being made regardless of whether the club is competing in Champ Rugby or National League One, to ensure Cambridge Rugby Club is sustainable, competitive and well positioned for the future.

Cambridge Rugby Club has a proud history and we thank our players, staff, volunteers, the many loyal sponsors and partners that support us so well as well as our tremendous members and fans for their continued commitment and support."

I am sure that all Worcester Warriors Supporters will join us in sending best wishes to the club and its supporters.