Scottish RFU could step in to boost Worcester

WORCESTER Warriots could find an unlikely saviour in the form of the Scottish Rugby Union according to Blindside sources.

We understand that discussions between the Warriors and the SRU have taken place about a potential investment in the Premiership's basement dwellers.

The Rugby Paper revealed in September that Warriors owner Greg Allen had put the club up for sale after losses of over £16 million in the last three years.

They have since appointed Livingstone, an international mergers and acquisitions firm to find a buyer.

We have been told the SRU could take a controlling interest in the Warriors who have been valued at around £9.7 million according to Livingstone.

It would appear, though, that the freehold of the 50- acre Sixways site, which has been valued at £17 million, is not included in the deal.

The SRU have had a long standing interest in investing in an English club and had a development partnership with London Scottish.

The SRU announced in the summer they had recorded a surplus of £1.7 million after breaking through the £50 million turnover barrier for the first time.

The Warriors could act as a base for Scottish players wanting to play in the Premiership.

Former Northampton, Edinburgh and Ulster coach Alan Solomons has joined Warriors on a short-term basis to assist director of rugby Gary Gold. The 67- year-old is believed to be focusing on recruiting players and negotiating contracts with the current squad.

■FRANCE prop Uini Antonio, right, could be heading to the Premiership next season after attracting Saracens.

New Zealandborn Antonio, 27, has played in France since 2011 when Patrice Collazo lured him to join La Rochelle.

And despite representing Samoan at Junior World Cup level, Antonio completed a three years residency to play for Les Bleus.

The heavyweight tight-head was the second heaviest man to play international rugby behind former Fiji colossus Bill Cavubati.

When the 24 stone Antonio was given his debut by Philippe Saint- Andre France had to get a special jersey made.

Antonio is out of contract at the end of this season.

■BRISTOL are continuing to look at strengthening their squad ahead of a probable return to the Premiership and have their sights on England Saxons lock Elliott Stooke.

The 24-year-old was born in Worcester and started his career with Gloucester. He had a loan spell at London Irish before joining Bath two years ago.

Blindside understands that Stooke, who made a big impression in his first season at the Rec, is high up on the Pat Lam's wanted list.

Lam appears not to be wasting any time with his recruitment plans after winning all six Championship games and pulling four points clear of Ealing Trailfinders.

■BEN VOLAVOLA has turned down the chance to join Worcester Warriors and will be going to France instead. Sydney-born Volavola, who plays at either flyhalf or full-back, had been interesting the Warriors.

Last season the 26-year-old Fiji international, right, played in Super Rugby for the Melbourne Rebels after stints on either side of the Tasman Sea with the Waratahs and Crusaders.

A member of Fiji's 2015 World Cup squad, he is now playing for North Harbour in the Mitre 10 Cup and will then head to the Top 14 and join Bordeaux.