SCOTTISH Rugby Union’s interest in Worcester Warriors is understood to have ended amid growing fears a takeover would not be sanctioned.

Owners Sixways Holdings Limited were said to have been keen on pushing through a deal with the governing body for rugby union in Scotland but an outright takeover has not been viewed favourably by top brass in England.

According to The Times, the SRU has already begun the process of sounding out Newcastle Falcons over taking a 20 per cent share in the club in a bid to gain a foothold in the Aviva Premiership.

The report suggested the Newcastle bid would have a greater chance of succeeding than the Worcester project.

Falcons owner Semore Kurdi told the national newspaper no formal discussions had taken place.

“What we are talking about is a marriage and we haven’t even gone on our first date,” he said.

The Times understands the SRU would be interested in up to a 20 per cent share despite the prospect of a battle with their RFU counterparts.

But according to RFU regulations it would not require consent from English rugby chiefs if it scaled back its interest to 10 per cent or less.

Warriors have been up for sale since September with an asking price of £26.7million including the 50-acre Sixways site.

According to a report by The Rugby Paper in December, the SRU had moved into pole position and it suggested Warriors could act as a base for Scottish players aiming to play in England’s top flight.

The SRU owns and funds Pro 14 sides Edinburgh and Glasgow Warriors.

But Newcastle already have a rich history of providing an opportunity for Scotland internationals including ex-forward Doddie Weir who welcomed the potential move.

“I think that would be a great idea but whether that would come about I’m not entirely sure,” Weir said.

“I didn’t know that but the more players that Scotland has in the professional game is great for the game within Scotland.”

Last month, the Worcester News reported Warriors were in talks with a consortium involving local businessman Jed McCrory.

The group is still believed to be in negotiations with the club.

Warriors issued a statement last week where chairman Bill Bolsover insisted the club’s owners were looking to sell to a party who can provide “long-term stability”.

“The matter of the club’s ownership has clearly been a topic of great concern this season and we have tried to be as open as possible during all stages of the process,” Bolsover said.

“There have been occasions where we haven’t been able to divulge the specifics of our negotiations due to their confidential nature but we have endeavoured to keep you informed of our owners’ position.

“To reiterate, our owners hold a clear view that they will only sell the club to a party which has Worcester Warriors’ best interests at heart, can provide long-term stability and can oversee a successful future for this club.

“The owners have been backing this club for the last decade and are not restricted by a timeframe in which to complete its sale so until the right investor is found they are committed to offering their continued financial support.

“Their support has ensured we are able to build for next season and beyond.”

The SRU declined to comment. McCrory was unavailable for comment.