WORCESTER Warriors fans are expecting to find out whether they will see their beloved club return by the end of this year.

Last week Worcester Warriors officially submitted an expression of interest in joining the Rugby Football Union's (RFU) mooted new Tier 2 competition, which would be the second division of English rugby, for the 2025/26 season.

The club was expected to receive a request for proposal email from the RFU today (Tuesday, October 15).

Worcester Warriors Supporters Trust said it is cautiously optimistic about the club's chances of returning and feels the bid should be very strong on paper.

What next?

In a statement last Friday (October 11) a spokesperson for Worcester Warriors, now owned by Chris Holland's Junction 6 Ltd, confirmed they had formally entered the process of bringing rugby back to Sixways Stadium. 

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Fellow defunct Premiership sides, Wasps and London Irish, have also thrown their hats into the ring to join Tier 2.

Short-listed applicants will be invited for an interview or presentation in the week commencing November 18.

The adjudication of tenders will take place in November and the RFU aims to notify successful teams in December.

The Supporters Trust said it expects the RFU board to approve the final number and composition of teams for the Tier 2 2025/26 season in January.

What criteria will the club have to meet?

The Warriors' bid will now be judged around its ability to meet the minimum operating standards and demonstrate financial viability. 

Warriors will also be judged on whether their aims align with the RFUs central objectives to make Tier 2 competitive and commercially successful and to offer rugby to a wide range of geographical areas. 

What do the fans think?

Worcester Warriors Supporters Trust chair, Marcus Mulcahy, told the Worcester News he is cautiously optimistic about the club's bid, adding he felt they would have the best facilities by far of any tendering club.

Last month, the club submitted a planning application to Wychavon District Council to demolish and rebuild two stands at Sixways Stadium, the former and mooted future home of the Warriors.

Mr Mulcahy added: "The bid should be very strong on paper.

"Now that Chris Holland has gone public to say the club will be paying rugby creditors we are as confident as we can be.

"However, we’ve seen false dawns before so will stay grounded until we have official news."