Financially stricken Worcester to play in Premiership opening round

Warriors on Wednesday headed off a likely player exodus when they confirmed their squad would be paid for August

Worcester are in financial difficulty (David davies/PA) (PA Wire)

Worcester Warriors will participate in the opening round of the Gallagher Premiership but tournament organisers admit they remain in a precarious position.

The financially stricken Warriors on Wednesday headed off a likely player exodus when they confirmed their squad would be paid for August.

Doubt remained over their involvement in the Premiership but they have been cleared to face London Irish in their opener on 10 September.

“Worcester are able to take the pitch and start the season but are not out of the woods yet, let’s be frank about that,” Premiership Rugby chief executive Simon Massie-Taylor said.