Rugby’s English Premiership chiefs on Wednesday
indefinitely suspended the 2019/20 season due to the coronavirus pandemic but
said they were committed to finishing the campaign.
The last game was played on March 8. The previous plan was
that the English top-flight would resume on April 24 but that is not possible
with Britain in the grip of the health crisis.
Premiership Rugby organisers are liaising with the Rugby
Football Union, clubs and medical staff on a number of potential scenarios.
“The intention is to play all games and complete the
season as soon as it can be done safely,” Premiership Rugby said in a
statement.
“In the meantime, Premiership Rugby continues to give
its full support to the lockdown measures and encourage everyone to stay home,
protect the NHS (National Health Service) and save lives.”
Chief executive Darren Childs said the effects of the
coronavirus had been “heartbreaking and devastating” but he also
outlined the economic challenges ahead.
“Many livelihoods are built on professional sport and
Premiership Rugby is proud to be home to many of the world’s greatest
players,” he said.
“But the livelihoods are not just those of talented
players — there are many vital roles across the clubs, from academy teams to
medics, canteen staff to groundspeople.”
There are nine rounds of Premiership matches remaining
before the scheduled semi-finals and final. Exeter lead the table by five
points after 13 rounds of fixtures.
All rugby below the Premiership in England has been
brought to an end.