NEWS that Worcester Warriors faces serious financial problems has left fans shocked - but what next for the club with just weeks before the new season?

On Wednesday it was revealed that HM Revenue & Customs has issued Warriors with a winding up petition over an unpaid tax bill. 

The club's latest financial woes come after suppliers also came forward to say they have been left waiting a long time for payment for services. 

So what does a winding up petition mean?

A winding up petition is a serious statement of intent by a creditor in shutting down a company due to unpaid debts.

It is the strongest legal action a creditor can take against a business and is often the natural next step in the debt chasing process after a statutory demand for payment has gone unheeded.

If nothing is done about it, the petition starts a series of events that disables the ability to trade, and can ultimately mean the end of a business.

Usually, a business is given seven days after being issued with the petition before it is made public. This is where Warriors now find themselves. 

What happens next?

Unless the club is able to settle its debts quickly, the taxman will seek the Premiership club’s liquidation at a court hearing that could take place within weeks.

The court will now set a hearing date to decide whether a winding up order (not petition) should be granted, and if so, the liquidation process begins.

The date of that hearing has not yet been released.

What have the relevant bodies said about this?

The Worcester News approached the HMRC for a comment.

Although they cannot comment on individual businesses due to the law around taxpayer confidentiality, they did say: "We take a supportive approach to dealing with customers who have tax debts, working with them to find the best possible solution based on their financial circumstances."

Premiership Rugby and the RFU were also approached, and they offered this joint statement: "The RFU and Premiership Rugby have been made aware that a winding up petition has been filed by HMRC against Worcester Warriors.

"Premiership Rugby and the RFU have been in regular contact with Worcester Warriors shareholders and management.

"Both parties have supported the club through the financial challenges of the last few years.

"We appreciate that this is unsettling for the players, the employees, the fans, and the community in Worcester and we will continue to work with all stakeholders to establish the appropriate next steps."

What impact will this have on the players?

Players are employees of the company. 

We know that some salaries were late to players earlier this year and now there will be concerns as to whether they will be paid on time, or if they have been paid at all. 

The Rugby Player Association (RPA) - the representative body and collective voice of professional rugby players in England - have indicated they are "monitoring the situation closely". 

"The RPA are aware of reports surrounding Worcester Warriors and are monitoring the situation closely," read a statement.

"We are in contact with Worcester Warriors, the RFU and Premiership Rugby to ensure we are informed about any further developments.

"The wellbeing of our members is at the forefront of our minds and we are in contact with the players about this.

"We will continue to be there to offer advice and support to them as and when more information becomes available, and matters develop."

What could happen from here?

Well, the worse case scenario is that the court issue a winding up order to Warriors and the liquidation process can begin.

There is also the possiblity of the club going into administration, which would see Warriors punished by the RFU and Premiership, which could see them end up relegated down the leagues.

But Worcester could yet be saved by investors or indeed if the current owners of Colin Goldring and Jason Whittingham decide to sell the club.

There has been a suggestion that current DOR Steve Diamond came in to the club with a view of forming a consortium to take ownership of the club.

But for now, it is very much a waiting game.

What about the new season, games and tickets? 

We have approached Worcester Warriors but no-one was available for comment.