WORCESTER Warriors scheduled Gallagher Premiership fixture with Harlequins has been moved to 5pm to avoid clashing with the funeral of Prince Phillip.

The Duke of Edinburgh died at the age of 99 on Friday and his funeral will be held at St George's Chapel, Windsor, at 3pm BST on Saturday, 17 April.

Warriors were due to play Quins at the Twickenham Stoop , 3pm kick-off, but Premiership Rugby confirmed on Saturday that all games played during that period, including Newcastle Falcons vs Bristol Bears, would be moved to avoid a clash.

A Premiership Rugby spokesperson said: “As a mark of respect for HRH Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, Premiership Rugby can confirm that all Gallagher Premiership Rugby matches scheduled to be played between 3pm and 4pm on Saturday 17 April will be moved to avoid a clash with his funeral service.

“We have already started discussing the logistical details with our clubs and broadcasters and will make an announcement as soon as possible.”

Worcester and Harlequins have not played yet this season as the game at Sixways was cancelled due to an outbreak of coronavirus amongst the Quins squad, meaning Warriors were awarded the win by default.

The team have been off on a two-week break after a block of nine Premiership games in a row since January.

They last played at the end of March against Northampton Saints at Sixways, where they were brutally dismantled in a 14-62 thrashing.

There are seven games left in the league season and Worcester sit bottom of the table after a horrendous campaign to date, losing 12 consecutive league matches, as well as two European ones in January.

With the threat of relegation removed this season due to the ongoing impact of Covid, Warriors still remain committed to finishing the season strongly and ensuring they do not finish bottom of the pile.

They have ties against Sale, Exeter, Wasps, Gloucester, Leicester and Newcastle to come after this weekend.