Saracens have rescheduled this week’s final pre-season fixture with further calendar alterations expected amid growing uncertainty over the future of fellow Premiership side Worcester Warriors. 

Sarries were due to face Championship side Ampthill RUFC on Saturday afternoon but will now host the Bedfordshire outfit on Friday 2nd September with kick-off scheduled for 7pm.

As doubts over Warriors’ participation in this season’s Premiership mount, Saracens say they have taken the decision to move the fixture in anticipation of their season starting a week earlier than the planned 17th September open against Harlequins. 

A club statement announcing the switch read: “This change will ensure our team has the best possible preparation for the start of the season should any Gallagher Premiership fixtures need to change.”

Though Saracens stressed they have no knowledge at present of any further changes, it continued: “Everyone at Saracens sincerely hopes this is not the case and our thoughts are with everyone at the Warriors. 

“We are also so sorry to cause our fans inconvenience and we really hope that you can still attend.

“Previously communicated matchday entertainment, catering and activations may be subject to change as a result of the fixture change, further details will be provided shortly regarding entertainment and catering arrangements.”

The Warriors’ dire financial situation reached a head last month after the Midlands club received a winding-up petition from HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) for defaulting on a tax payment. 

Fresh reports of players and staff going unpaid this week have raised serious doubt of their ability to take the field against London Irish in next Saturday’s opening Premiership round. 

Gates for the rearranged Saracens v Ampthill tie will now open at 5pm, with the club confirming all existing match tickets and parking purchases will be honoured for the amended Friday night clash, adding: “These tickets will be issued for print at home by noon on Thursday 1st September. 

”Your tickets will also be made available for digital download via Apple or Google wallet to display on a mobile device.

“Supporters who are unable to make the rearranged fixture will have their tickets automatically refunded within 14 days (by Monday 19th September).”