Marcello Cossali-Francis
@Mcossalifrancis
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🏴🇮🇹 Former sports writer, taking a break | @RUWCOfficial member | run @rugbyitalia96
Joined April 2015
So… I’m running the Edinburgh Marathon next year! 🫡🏴. Crazy I know but… mum has always wanted to do it with me so best honour that wish!. Want to raise a bit of 💰 as well so if you fancy chucking me a few quid, it’s all going to charity! Grazie!.
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Fin Smith by the way. Man of the match on his first ever Six Nations start. He was, to be blunt, shit hot. Seeing him and Ollie Lawrence play in a game like that together. Woorrcesstterr.
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Fair play. Chuffed for the both of you. Matured into two terrific rugby players. We always knew it, now they’re proving it even more. #COYW
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Good grief. Any suggestions that two teams should be dealt with different because of some sort of hierarchy is ridiculous. Wasps have to be dealt with in the same way Worcester were.
@RhysBigGunSmith @btsportrugby @dallaglio8 @btsportrugby I had to rewind to confirm what I'd just heard; @dallaglio8 suggesting that @WaspsRugby should be dealt with differently because they are a more successful brand!!. @RFU @premrugby care to comment. 👀🧐
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Watch this and tell me that Rassie Erasmus should not have the book thrown at him by World Rugby. It’s from his direct attack on Barnes’ officiating that led to his wife & kids receiving threats. He’s had his chances & reoffended with disastrous consequences. Ban him permanently.
Referee Wayne Barnes reveals the full extent of the social media abuse he and his family have endured in recent weeks. Search Good Bad Rugby on streaming platforms to hear Wayne’s experience in full 🔊📺. #rugby #rugbyunion
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Is Clive Woodward actually criticising Ollie Lawrence? What in earth is his problem with him. Ollie has carried brilliantly and got England on the front foot numerous times. His punditry is questionable at best. #ENGvITA.
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Breaking news: Worcester Warriors have been placed into administration.
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Warriors got their land back. Makes a sale so much more likely. There may be some light at the end of this dark tunnel.
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Great news coming out of the @Premier15s this afternoon as it’s confirmed that @WorcsWarriorsW can continue playing in the competition and are back in action this weekend. Brilliant to hear. Some real positivity. #COYW.
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So #SteveDiamond had passed the fit & proper test & also agreed to RFU conditions. He said if it was down to him, Worcester Warriors would be in the Championship next season. He also raised concerns for rugby creditors, who stand to lose millions. #COYW .
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OFFICIAL: WORCESTER WARRIORS ARE RETURNING !!! . They have been accepted into the new Tier 2 competition by the @RFU and WILL compete in the 2025/26 season at Sixways! . Two long, long years but rugby is back!.
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Just no comment or statement of any kind from PRL or RFU. Not even a message of support. Already feels like Worcester are an afterthought. Stinks.
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EXCLUSIVE: I have been informed that a merger of Worcester Warriors and Wasps was proposed last week by the owners at Sixways. The idea was instantly rejected by the Coventry-based club. Not sure supporters of either clubs would have backed the proposal. #COYW.
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The packed out crowd at @MalvernRugby cheer their very own Evie Richards over the line as she finishes the @Olympics Mountain Bike race in 7th. Very proud 👏 #Tokyo2020 #OlympicGames @BritishCycling @TrekBikes @TeamGB
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Right I’m asking this completely genuinely but how on earth are Bath affording all these players? Like these are marquee signings. how are they staying within the cap? Genius or something fishy? Genuine question before anyone accuses me of spinning a narrative!.
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Tell you what, if Worcester Warriors come out the other side of all this in one piece, this whole process could do wonders for the support. Players are a huge credit to the club. Fans and team coming together for one goal = keep the club alive.
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Been mentioned a couple of times so feel like I can reveal that there is positive noises coming out of Worcester & administrators regarding the sale of the club to a potential buyer. Expecting some positive news about a preferred bidder next week. Things are progressing. #COYW.
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My first thought was why not allow Fiji, Samoa and Tonga to put a team together and face the Lions. Aus, Nz host the Lions once every 12 years already.
Wallabies and All Blacks in talks to form an joint ANZAC team to take on the British & Irish Lions in 2025. Exclusive story on @MailSport
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That might just have been the final nail in the coffin tonight. Not sure how the owners thought that statement was going to be received but it’s been unanimous. Their relationship with fans, players, staff, coaches & local community now non-existent, if it wasn’t already.
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Just seen that statement. Goldring & Whittingham stating that they are “sorry” the playing squad wouldn’t accept salary reductions & pay cuts. So now pointing the finger at those same players who have continually put their bodies and livelihoods on the line to play. Hmm. #COYW.
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If this is a red card then okay but something needs to change. No real force, no real degree of danger… this is bonkers.
Duhan van der Merwe's red card against London Irish. He could miss Scotland's #GuinnessSixNations match against Italy next week. #SaffasAbroad
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My time at the @worcesternews is almost up. 💔. It’s been a privilege to have brought the news to you all. Can’t thank you all enough. Plenty of ups, some downs. Stepping away from journalism for now but hopefully not forever. Ciao!
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Ollie Lawrence still not good enough for England & Eddie Jones lol. Even after a spectacularly mediocre midfield performance from Farrell & Tuilagi in DEFEAT to Argentina. But there we go. Jones, it’s a fact, has & never will pick on form.
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Steve Diamond leads the full-time huddle. He will be so very pleased with the display from his makeshift side tonight. Kingsholm supporters stay behind to clap them off. Richly deserved.
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Emotional scenes. There was only one team winning today wasn’t there? Team huddle that I’m sure will spill out into the pubs tonight. Boy they deserve it don’t they. #COYW
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As well as this, I was also told that the Sixways caretaker and his wife (who live on site) are being turfed out at 5PM as the stadium will essentially be out of bounds now until the financial situation is sorted. Heart breaks for them.
Worcester are planning to lock up Sixways at 4.30pm tomorrow in the expectation that the club will fail to meet the RFU deadline of 5pm and be suspended. RFU wants evidence of a credible business plan, proof they can pay wages and player insurance, which expires midnight Monday.
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Didn’t want to bite on this tweet really but as an Italian found it quite insulting to suggest that a player who wears the flag on his chest would regret it. Quite an unnecessary tweet but maybe I’m being too sensitive. FORZA Italia 🇮🇹.
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Have been told Worcester will be represented at the Gallagher Premiership 2022/23 launch tomorrow. Most likely Steve Diamond & team manager Luke Broadley. Potentially a player too. #COYW.
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Not Worcester related specifically but the RFU have just confirmed they have lowered the minimum ground requirements for promoted clubs down to 5,000 from 10,000. Hope for Ealing. Would still have to provide they have a contractor in place to make it up to 10K.
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Mention to the @Harlequins supporters today. They were brilliant and created such a cracking atmosphere. Really nice touch all giving Sara Cox a standing ovation when she came off today. Congratulations @SaraCoxRef 👏a privilege to be at The Stoop today.
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My thoughts are very much that life and sport should go on this weekend. When people leave us, they would hope we’d celebrate life and not sit & mourn it. Sometimes it’s right to take time & stop what you’re doing, but it’s also okay to carry on. Hope the right decision is made.
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Breaking: Positive news as Begbies Traynor are now joint administrators over WRFC Trading Ltd, but more importantly receivers over Sixways Stadium & over shares with any fixed security assets of Worcester Sports Limited. #COYW.
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Evening thought; why in rugby do countries insist on international players being based in their country if they want to be selected? My opinion is that players should play where they want, play in the best leagues. It’ll benefit the national side. Am I being outrageous?.
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If there is one thing that will never, ever be forgiven by anyone connected with Worcester Warriors… it’s this. Cecil Duckworth is Mr Worcester. It goes wider than just the rugby club. This one will, rightly, hurt the most.
Exclusive for @mailplus : Worcester owners took £500,000 loan from Cecil Duckworth before he died in 2020 and have failed to pay it back + RFU prepare to suspend stricken Warriors.
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Why on earth is Gloucester vs Bath not on @btsportrugby tonight? Massive derby game under the lights on a Friday at Kingsholm and it’s not televised? Weird.
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Breaking news for @WorcsWarriorsW as they have agreed a long-term deal with Cube International which will see them independently funded for next 10 years as a separate business to men’s side. This is based on being successful in securing a place in the Allianz Premier 15s. #COYW.
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Worcester Warriors WILL PLAY this weekend!!! .
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Regarding the situation at Sixways, I have heard that both members at Stourbridge and RFU oppose the move/proposal from Atlas to form ‘Sixways Rugby’. No vote/official decision has yet been made though. But it seems Atlas may have to rethink their plans. #COYW.
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Cheapest tickets supposedly in the realms of £80 is just bonkers. I know there will be plenty who watch this sport who can afford it but rugby is quickly becoming a sport that is just not affordable for the average Joe and it’ll be the death of the sport soon.
🎟️ 𝗢𝗡 𝗦𝗔𝗟𝗘 𝗡𝗢𝗪 🎟️. The @AllBlacks take on the @Springboks at Twickenham next summer 🏟️. An evening 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘦 𝘮𝘪𝘴𝘴𝘦𝘥. Tickets: Hospitality:
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Breaking: WRFC Players Ltd wound up meaning players and staff contracts will be terminated. WRFC Trading Ltd still in admin. No representation in court.
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The message coming from Worcester players & staff “Don’t take the P” referring to the Premiership P shares. All clubs in the league have them but it seems Premiership Rugby are wanting to sell Worcester’s & split the money between the other clubs. #COYW.
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They do so many good things at @londonirish and this is a really nice gesture. In a very dark time for everyone at @WorcsWarriors ; ST holders can now take a game in down in Brentford for half price. #LondonIrish #WorcesterWarriors #PremRugby .
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Generally speaking, if I got to go around all the Championship clubs following Worcester… I’d be quite looking forward to that. Just as a footnote, nothing more. Be a new experience and probably one fans would also enjoy. Just me leaning on the positive side.
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Breaking: the family of Cecil Duckworth have been in touch with us at the @worcesternews . 🗣️ “We are devastated to learn of the rebranding. We feel Atlas are trying to destroy Cecil’s legacy” #COYW ⬇️ .
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Irish are a classy, classy cub.
Nothing but respect for you, @WorcsWarriors. All the best for the season. You have the support from everyone at London Irish 🤝
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Pretty sure, according to Bath Rugby, that’s three man of the match awards in a row for Ted Hill. Shouldn’t be surprised but what a bloody player. Not just standing out in a bad Worcester side, he was always this good.
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Bath come good since the Worcester boys come along. Hmm. How well they have done to pick these boys up.
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Breaking news this evening. The DCMS have acted upon the director’s request to place @WorcsWarriors into administration. Owners finally cave it seems. What a day. #COYW #together .
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The administrators seem to have managed to ensure the land at Sixways is now part of the deal for any potential buyer. If so, that's really positive news for the long-term future of the rugby club. P-shares remain the key word at the moment.
Administrators @Begbies appearing on my show @bbchw at 410pm this afternoon on what's next for @WorcsWarriors. If you've got any questions, let me know. Listen on DAB, BBC Sounds and smart speaker. @RugbyWorcs @MarleyLow @WRSC2 💙💛.
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Dimes’ plan will also set up a buddy system with Bath, Sale & Leicester to take players on loan to help them with game time and enhance the Worcester side. He wants to get started ASAP in order to build for next season. #COYW .
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This is what I’ve picked up from today: . - Diamond not totally being kept in the loop anymore .- Staff no longer willing to work (some, not all).- Current owners will stay on board with current sale it seems. - Staff want owners out, totally.- Deal no closer . #COYW.
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All the very best to Francois Venter on his move back to 🇿🇦 with the Sharks. One of the most consistent performers for Worcester during his time at Sixways and also a terrific bloke. Go well @Swys_Venter.
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Some player. What a signing for @SaintsRugby on the day Dan Biggar leaves for Toulon. Saints are in very, very good hands.
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400K for both the car park at Sixways & the training pitches is, even by my amateur knowledge, miles below what they are worth. In 2020 the whole Sixways site, with car park and pitches, was independently valued at 16.7 million pounds.
@Mcossalifrancis Have you seen this? £50k for the car park and £350k for the training grounds!? Undervaluation. Don't you think the timing it's odd!? 🤔👀
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I think a rethink at both Worcester & Wasps is in order. Starting again and rebuilding from the championship might not be what everyone wants but will enable both clubs to get things right and then focus on getting back to the top. #Wasps #WorcesterWarriors.
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Good to see my tweet going viral on my Italian rugby page. Gives me hope there’s enough outcry to get this idea shoved right in the bin where it belongs.
Unbelievable. We NEED support and a chance to develop, this would just ruin everything for Italian rugby. Where would we go? . Southern Hemisphere have The Rugby Championship, NH have the 6N. Why are we mixing?.
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Off to Sixways now. Hoping to get some more answers and an update on the situation. But I am hearing swift action has been taken… #COYW.
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So sounds as if Worcester’s one and only pre-season friendly in Inverness against Glasgow will go ahead. Financed by club’s main shirt sponsor @AdamHewittLtd which is a great gesture. The fact they’ve pushed to get the game played maybe a good sign. #COYW.
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Was reliably informed that Ted Hill was close to signing a long term deal at Bath last week and now looks about to be confirmed. Wish him nothing but the best because he deserves every bit of it. I know this will hurt but the correct decision. What a signing. #COYW.
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FT: Warriors 39 Falcons 5. A five-star performance full of intent, guts, power and quality. If that was to be the last game here at Sixways then what a game it has been from Worcester. Cecil would be proud of this today.
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Afternoon. In regards tomorrow for Warriors; they have to meet the RFU deadline of 5PM in order to avoid suspension. The club; staff, players & coaches all seem prepared to spend some time out of the game - suspension all but confirmed. I’ll have a live-blog for all updates 👍.
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So this is the current state of play at Worcester from what’s happened today: . • Players & staff won’t be paid tomorrow.• Couple of players supposedly set to leave Sixways (KH and FS) .• Saracens being readied to take on Irish in place of Worcester for Prem opener. #COYW.
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May 17, 2022. One year ago today, a night that no @WorcsWarriors fan will ever forget. It had everything, the drama, the joy, the excitement of what was to come. It feels a long time ago now, but a chance to remember the good times. #COYW @worcesternews .
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Steve Diamond: “I want Cecil Duckworth’s legacy has to be maintained. We need rugby people to take this club forward again. This city and region needs good news, they will put up with growth and development.” #COYW .
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Understand supporters of Worcester Warriors are planning to stage a protest at Sixways at 6PM this evening, calling for action after players and staff continue to not be paid. #COYW.
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Ah man it really stings but here’s hoping maybe one day he’ll return home to Worcester. But for now, he will have everyone’s best wishes. Look after him @BathRugby . Go well @Ted_Hill26 .
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Not sure why Kevin Sinfield has not yet been knighted but that needs to happen ASAP. An incredible man that words don’t really do justice. #kevinsinfield.
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Hearing Warriors Women also won over at Exeter. Makes it two wins from two this weekend. Magnificent show from this rugby club.
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Right, so the new line is that administration is NOT imminent for Worcester Warriors and there are no negotiations surrounding the sale of the club. A statement will be made later today. No one is much the wiser. Doubt and confusion remain.
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No Ollie Lawrence in the England squad for the upcoming @autumnnations series this November. Unlike Eddie to not pick on form….
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First game of rugby in about 2 years tomorrow. Looking forward to pulling on that @MalvernRugby shirt once again alongside my younger brother on his birthday. Fingers crossed we both end up in one piece!.
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BREAKING: this is a lot to take in so I’ve got it all in there. But ultimately, Worcester Warriors no longer exists. Atlas have pulled out of RFU Champ application process. ‘Sixways Rugby’ = Worcester 🤝 @StourbridgeRFC .
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Just so happens I’m out in Worcester tomorrow evening so if I happen to bump into any of the boys out tomorrow, I’ll dig the Worcester News credit card out 💰.
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BREAKING Warriors update: Can confirm that an internal email has gone out to all staff that 65% of their monthly salary for August will be paid. Additional funding was secured today but money won’t have cleared for them to be paid today. #COYW.
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Think there’s a good chance Worcester Warriors survive as a club but I think it’s a case of what will be left once they’ve been saved. Look set for the Championship from next season and club unlikely to play again in the 22/23 campaign. Bleak.
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Understand there will be a statement from administrators at some point this week with updates on the sale of #WorcesterWarriors . Been almost a month-long process but maybe now we’re starting to get somewhere. #COYW #together .
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I’ve heard on multiple occasions now that for a lot of players, SD is the reason they are staying & the reason everyone at the club has hope. One line I had was; “there’s no better person to have in a time like this than Dimes. He’s the reason they’ll stick together” #COYW.
Sat having a couple of beers thinking about the Worcester family. Great rugby folk throughout the place from ground staff, cleaning gang, chefs,ticket office girls, sales crew, kit man, coaches, players, supporters, sponsors. Well done Adam Hewitt.
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Absolutely delighted for Fin Smith. Deservedly getting the recognition he deserves & his name being spoken about for international honours. Whoever gets his services will be in a very good place. What players Worcester have produced.
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Not entirely sure why Worcester are getting slammed on here. A large amount of players had to pull out only yesterday. Injuries, Covid and illness… not sure it’s that easy to just quickly call up clubs and ask for short term loans 24 hours before a game + get them registered 🤔.
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A real kick in the teeth for all those associated with the club. For months players, staff & supporters have continued to do everything within their power to keep it alive. To then hear the owners take a pop at then. Stomach churning. #COYW .
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Been a crazy day. Eight-page supplement in the @worcesternews tomorrow as well as the usual back pages. Thanks for all tuning into the blog and interacting with me on Twitter and Facebook. Sunday beers anyone? We got a game of rugby on our hands! #COYW
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Jim O’Toole and James Sandford have been selected as the preferred bidders for buying Worcester Warriors. We know that Steve Diamond and his ‘Sixways Village’ project is also there & perhaps is the second choice? Good news for Worcester Warriors that there remains a future.
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Well then, tomorrow is the day we find out what the overall state of the financial crisis Worcester Warriors are dealing with. Could be administration but if what I have been told is true, then potentially an offer has been made and we might find out the details. MIGHT.
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Well, we knew it was coming but the news will still pinch as another of Worcester’s brilliant talents has left the club. But a great move for him and sure everyone will be watching on to see him develop into the player we know he can be. #COYW .
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Warriors update: having just listened to Jim O’Toole on BBC Radio 4 this morning, he confirms he is just one of a number of parties interested in buying the club. They are all aware that there is an urgent deadline in which to conclude a deal to ensure August’s payroll is paid.
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I cannot wait to be getting up at 5.30 AM to watch games at the @rugbyworldcup. Coffee and bacon sandwiches every day watching rugby! Perfect.
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Expecting his first child in the new year, must be hugely worrying & stressful to be planning for that with all of this over his and his families’ head.
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Very much hope one day soon I’m back to cover the Worcester Warriors in this superb stadium.
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