Champ Play-off Final: Worcester Warriors beat Bedford Blues

Worcester Warriors returned to their first season in English rugby by winning the champ play-off final against Bedford Blues.

The Warriors finished fourth in the regular season but stunned previously unbeaten table-toppers Ealing Trailfinders in the play-off semi-final – and they did the same to second-placed Bedford.

The victory caps a significant turnaround for Worcester, who were relegated from the Premiership in the 2022-23 season after financial problems put the club into administration and eventually wound up.

However, the club eventually reformed in time for this season, although they will remain in the second tier after the traditional format of promotion and relegation. was cancelled Earlier this year.

Hugh Bokenham’s score gave Worcester an early lead but Bedford went 14-5 up with tries from Joe Conway and Dean Adamson.

But Tim Anstey went over in the corner for the Warriors and the pressure was rewarded late in the first half with Will Reid trying to give Worcester a narrow three point half time lead.

In a tight second half, a sin-binning for Bedford’s Fred Tuilagi, thanks to an off-the-ball incident, proved crucial as Siva Naulago extended Tarchester’s lead to 24-14.

A Billy Twelvetrees penalty sealed victory as Worcester ended a historic campaign with the silverware to show for it.