Worcester Warriors confirm takeover by new owners Atlas

Jim O’Toole and James Sandford’s Atlas consortium have been appointed as Worcester Warriors’ new owners.

O’Toole, previously the ex-Premiership side’s chief executive, and business partner Sandford have now had their bid for the club, land and ground accepted by administrators Begbies Traynor.

Atlas Worcester Warriors will now take over the running of the club.

Julie Palmer, partner at Begbies Traynor, said: “Following a complex process, we are now able to progress the sale of Worcester Warriors and associated assets to Atlas Worcester Warriors Rugby Football Club Limited (“Atlas”).

“We can confirm that contracts have been exchanged with Atlas. This is an exclusive contractual position and Atlas are committed to completing this transaction as early as possible and will share with both the rugby community and local community their plans for the club’s future.

“Due to the confidential nature of this transaction, we have been unable to provide this update any earlier but have appreciated the ongoing interest of supporters, staff and related organisations.

“We are delighted to see that there is a clear plan in place to deliver both rugby and many other exciting community-focused initiatives to Sixways befitting the fabulous facilities and which will entertain the extensive support base.

“We would also like to take this opportunity to congratulate the women’s team who are being readmitted to the Allianz Premier 15s next season.”

Last August Warriors accounts were frozen after a winding-up petition was issued by HMRC.

The following month, the Government placed WRFC Trading Limited, the company that owns the rugby club, in administration. The Rugby Football Union suspended the club from all rugby competition

In October, WRFC Players Limited, the company that employed the players and staff, was wound up in court.