Top flight rugby club Worcester Warriors have had a cash boost from The Royal Bank of Scotland to increase stadium capacity and improve corporate entertainment at their Sixways Stadium.
The £5million funding line has been used by the club to rebuild the East Stand. Now renamed in recognition of corporate sponsor and supporter Slick Systems, the £8million project provides 120 metres of pitch-side hospitality, corporate boxes and restaurant with a panoramic pitch-side view. An administration corner block houses a new stadium entrance and reception area.
Cecil Duckworth, chairman of Worcester Warriors, hailed the support of RBS as a driving force in pursuing his club’s ambition to become a “European force”.
He added: “The new Slick Systems Stand will provide fans and corporate customers much needed extra space and amenities, and the corporate entertainment facilities will be the most impressive and spacious available in the region. We are very pleased with all of RBS’s help in providing us with a flexible funding package to allow us to complete this project. Their ability to work closely with us over recent years has helped the Warriors move closer to achieving our ambition of becoming a European force in rugby.”
The 65-acre home of Worcester Warriors – located by the M5 Motorway – now has a capacity of more than 12,000 spectators. The club’s partnership with RBS has led to the successful completion of a number of projects, most notably the building of the Kukri Stand and development of corporate boxes in the stadium’s South Stand. The club also uses public and private funding to support a variety of community initiatives, promoting healthy lifestyles, grass roots sport, and social inclusion.
Tim Rolph, relationship manager for commercial banking at RBS in Worcester, said: “We are delighted to continue working with Worcester Warriors. On this occasion, we have been able to put together a well-structured and bespoke funding deal for the club. The deal allows for the completion of the development whilst minimising future cashflow impacts for the club.
“Proposals such as this demonstrate our teamwork approach and we worked very closely with both the club and their accountants, Rabjohns LLP, who assisted with the preparation of the projections for the expansion. We wish the Worcester Warriors all the best in this rugby season and look forward to continuing our long-standing relationship with them.”
Future plans for the stadium include the building of a health and racquet club site which will back onto the Slick Systems Stand.
Currently 10th in the Guinness Premiership, Worcester Warriors will enter the competition’s 12th round with a match against London-based Harlequins this weekend. Last month, the club signed a deal with long-time partner Carlsberg UK to secure the continued sponsorship of its Tetley’s brand.
