In the latest development concerning the troubled Worcester Warriors rugby club, Loxwood Holdings, the firm which owns the club, has undergone a change in ownership. This move aims to sustain the ongoing operations of the stadium while facilitating efforts to reinstate elite-level rugby at Worcester Warriors.

Previously entering administration in 2022, the men’s team has not played since then. Despite Atlas being announced as the new owner in May 2023 through a £2 million deal, the failure to fulfil a subsequent £1 million payment led to control transferring to Christopher Holland, owner of Wasps, after Atlas defaulted on a £1.5 million loan.

With Atlas facing insolvency, Mr. Holland’s Loxwood Holdings now owns 97% of Atlas Worcester Warriors. Loxwood intervened to aid Atlas in finalising its purchase of the club from administrators. The consortium originally comprising Total Compliance Solutions (TCS), Atlas Sportstech Ltd, former player James Sandford, and former chief executive Jim O’Toole has been succeeded by a new consortium, which has taken over stadium ownership, associated assets, and intellectual property, including the Warriors’ brand.

Facing the option of liquidation or seeking an alternative, Loxwood opted for a pre-packaged administration process to protect the stadium and pursue the return of elite rugby, now under the Worcester Warriors banner. The plan involves forming a new group of companies with support from local businesses, who have become shareholders. All existing staff will be retained, and operations at the stadium will expand, with no interruption to ongoing events.

Mr. Holland, supported by Loxwood, aims to restore elite rugby to Sixways. The stadium currently hosts matches for lower-tier football teams without disruption. Loxwood’s financial aid was intended as a short-term solution, but despite this assistance, Atlas could not meet its financial obligations, resulting in insolvency.

Dialogue with the RFU and the Championship includes plans to return Worcester Warriors to the second tier of English rugby. Additionally, they are also exploring opportunities for competitive professional rugby, including a potential reformed women’s team.

The leadership is viewing this ownership transition as a positive step forward for both the club and the Worcester community. They also expressed willingness to continue supporting efforts to bring back elite-level rugby. While Atlas Sportstech declined to comment, other minority shareholders have yet to provide public statements.