The club was subsequently placed into administration at the owners' request by the UK government, who are the biggest creditor due to unpaid tax.

The developments left former Western Force player Fergus Lee-Warner, who made his debut for the club earlier this month, in limbo.

The 28-year-old New South Walian signed in April on a three-year deal commencing at the start of this season. He has played in all three of Worcester's Premiership matches this campaign.

The RFU wanted evidence of a "credible plan to take the club forward" by 5pm on Monday.

But the crisis-hit Warriors did not respond to those requests, and their season was been plunged into cold storage, with Worcester men's and women's teams both suspended.

Worcester are burdened by debts totalling more than PS25million ($A41m), including at least PS6m ($A10m) in unpaid tax, amid growing anger felt towards owners Colin Goldring and Jason Whittingham, who have been accused of asset-stripping the club.

The RFU said: "The owners of Worcester Warriors have not met the RFU's 5pm deadline to evidence insurance cover, availability of funds to meet the monthly payroll and a credible plan to take the club forward.

"The RFU has therefore suspended Worcester Warriors from all competitions, including the Gallagher Premiership, Allianz Premier 15s, U18s Academy Cup and Allianz Cup with immediate effect."

Worcester's Sixways Stadium is now closed - staff were given until Monday afternoon to collect belongings - with no indication when, or if, it will reopen.

The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport then said it had agreed with a request from club directors to place Worcester into administration "in order to give the club the best possible chance of survival, and to protect a significant taxpayer investment."

Australian Associated Press