'Absolutely gutted' - Worcester player opens up about relegation

REACTION: Worcester Warriors' player Harri Doel said on Friday he was "gutted" to hear the English side has been liquidated this week and his contract had been terminated.

On Wednesday, the Warriors were wound up by the High Court with British tax authorities pursuing the club for unpaid tax of about £6 million ($6.8 million).

In a further blow they were suspended from the Premiership and will be relegated from the top-flight after plunging into financial crisis.

"It wasn't the nicest of news. The players and I were absolutely gutted to find out that the club had been liquidated," 22-year-old Doel told AFP.

"It's absolutely devastating that it's come to such an abrupt end with all this history behind it. I can't believe it really," he added.

Doel can play at full-back and on the wing and came through the Scarlets academy before featuring for Wales' under-20s.

He joined the 151-year-old outfit in April last year.

"You never think when you sign with a club you would outlive that club," he said.

"I've recently bought my first property here in Worcester.

"I've come to really enjoy being here and living here. It's just sad that cannot happen for any longer," he added.

 'Joke'

Late last month the Warriors' owners Colin Goldring and Jason Whittingham hit out at both players and supporters.

They said they "were thankful for those fans who "turned up week in, week out but were "sorry that there were not more, nor enough of you on a regular basis to help make the club financially viable."

The pair, who have been accused of asset-stripping the three-time Championship (second division) winners said they took a pay cut to help keep the Warriors stay afloat but they were sorry "the playing squad could not accept a similar level of reduction" or, in some cases, any cut at all.

"That was a tough one. I can understand them having a go at the players for not taking a pay cut but to have a go at the fans for not turning up each week is a joke," Doel said.

"The fans are what have kept the club going for so long and they're doing all they can to turn up to each home game, support the team every week. I thought that was blaming everyone else but themselves," the Swansea University graduate added.

There are fears other Premiership clubs could also face a bleak future with double European Champions Cup winners Wasps having announced their intention to appoint administrators after failing to meet a May deadline to repay £35 million in bonds

"I can understand it's been pretty tough for most Premiership clubs but I guess now we're seeing the result of Covid," Doel said.

"A lot of clubs are struggling. It's a tough time for rugby. With the help of loyal supporters, I hope we can get through this," he added.

The likes of Warriors captain Ted Hill as well as Scotland winger Duhan van der Merwe have already found new employment.

"There are 40-45 players that have been released, who are looking for new clubs," Doel said.

"I don't know if there are enough places for all these boys.

"I'm now looking for another pro deal. There are a few opportunities that have come but nothing concrete yet.

"I'm open to play anywhere. I just want to keep playing professional rugby," he added.