With Worcester set to return to the new-look second tier of English club rugby, here’s a look at all the rumoured Worcester Warriors signings.
After several years out in the wilderness, Worcester Warriors are making a return to professional rugby.
It’s been more than two years since the club went into administration and collapsed out of the Premiership, but the Midlands side has been granted a place in next season’s expanded 14-team Championship.
To the delight of the club’s passionate fans, the RFU have accepted Worcester’s application to rejoin the professional leagues next season.
But with their old playing squad disbanded, they’ll need to make plenty of signings first.
Below, we’ve listed all the rumoured Worcester Warriors signings potentially in the pipeline.
🔵🟡 WE ARE BACK! 🔵🟡
It’s the news we’ve all been waiting for… Worcester Warriors are officially returning. This is more than a comeback; it’s the start of a new era.
Visit the Warriors Website for the full press release and Q&A, and subscribe for updates. #WarriorsReturn pic.twitter.com/WzHcar2fzY
— Worcester Warriors (@WorcsWarriors) April 3, 2025
All Of Worcester Warriors’ Rumoured Signings So Far
Matt Kvesic
Thirty-two-year-old former Warriors back row Matt Kvesic appears to be heading back to Sixways ahead of their revival.
Having come through the ranks at Worcester, Kvesic spent time at Exeter and Gloucester, before most recently impressing at Coventry in the Championship.
It therefore feels right that the now veteran should return to where it all began.
Matt Everard (Head Coach)
Currently defence coach at Premiership outfit Leicester Tigers, Matt Everard is rumoured to be the Worcester Warriors head coach for next season.
He spent time in the Championship with Nottingham as a player, so knows the league well and would bring valuable experience.
After retiring from playing in 2017, he has steadily built up his coaching record and would make a great choice.
Nick Schonert
South African prop Schonert is the next rumoured Worcester Warriors signing.
At 33, he still has a few good years left in his career, but is likely to fall down the pecking order at current club Sale Sharks.
A move to the Championship could therefor be ideal for him. And where better than the club where he made more than 100 appearances from 2014-2021?
Josh Bassett
Former England U20 winger Josh Bassett could also be making a move to Worcester for the new season.
The Leicester man has struggled for game-time recently and may look to drop down a level in order to keep playing.
Like the others on this list, the 33-year old is entering the twilight of his career, but could still offer plenty to a Championship team.
Matt Rogerson
Matt Rogerson is no stranger to clubs going bust.
The former London Irish back row was captain of the Exiles when they too went under in 2023.
Now at Leicester, could he follow Tigers teammate Bassett over to Worcester?
Niall Annett
Bath hooker Niall Annett is believed to be out of contract this summer.
The 33-year-old Irishman is already second choice at the Rec. He likely drop to third with the arrival of Exeter’s Dan Frost next season.
And with the upcoming England U20 star Kepu Tuipulotu rapidly developing, Annett seems unlikely to have a place in the Bath squad much longer.
Joe Launchbury
Ex-England stalwart Joe Launchbury won 65 caps for the Red Rose during his time at Wasps.
When they also folded in 2022, he joined Harlequins after a brief spell in Japan with Toyota Verblitz.
He would be some coup for Worcester, but if rumours are to be believed, the second row might just be heading the Sixways.
What Happened To Worcester Warriors?
Following a long period of financial difficulties, Worcester Warriors entered administration in September 2022.
With unpaid debts, taxes and wages, they were suspended from all competitions and have not played a game since.
Debts were reported to be in the region of £25 million, with a further £6 million of unpaid taxes.
As a result of their administration, all player and staff contracts were terminated, and the club folded.
But with new owners promising to clear their debts, they have been selected to join the RFU’s new, 14-team, professional second tier competition from next season.
Who Owns Worcester Warriors Now?
After the original company running Worcester went bust, they were taken over by Atlas Consortium.
Run by Jim O’Toole and James Sandford, Atlas took charge in February 2023, but soon ran into difficulties.
With Atlas themselves going into administration, Worcester was then sold to a group called Junction 6.
Backed by Loxwood Holdings – led by Wasps owner Chris Holland – Junction 6 has several parties with stakes in Worcester Warriors.
Holland assisted Atlas financially in exchange for a majority share in Worcester, taking charge in late 2023.
This new structure allowed Warriors to pass the RFU’s financial checks in order to re-enter the professional game.
