Yahoo News Premiership Rugby season suspended indefinitely due to coronavirus pandemic
The suspension of the 2019-20 Premiership Rugby season has been extended indefinitely due to the coronavirus pandemic.
In a statement released on Wednesday, CEO Darren Childs confirmed the league's intention to fulfil all remaining fixtures and complete the campaign "as soon as it can be done safely", but emphasised support for the current lockdown measures.
English rugby union's top-flight action had already been postponed until at least April 14 amid the outbreak of Covid-19, while last month the season was ended at all levels below the Premiership and final positions and promotions and relegations eventually decided using a "best playing record formula".
The shutdown of rugby union has led to serious financial challenges for clubs and unions across the world.
On the Premiership, Childs said: "Following a series of constructive meetings with our clubs, investors, players’ representatives, commercial and broadcast partners, and the RFU, we have agreed on our approach to restart rugby, as soon as it is safe to do so.
“This is not an easy conversation. We are dealing with a catastrophic pandemic that is unprecedented in our lifetimes, the effects of which are heartbreaking and devastating.
"We also must recognise that when the pandemic is finally at an end; there will still be the economic challenge for many years to come. The markets and businesses that people rely upon are not immune to this virus."
Premiership Rugby added they were working collectively with the RFU, RPA, clubs’ directors of rugby and medical staff to "scenario-plan" for a number of potential restart dates, including exploring the possibility of pushing back the Premiership Final - currently due to be held at Twickenham on June 20 - until later in the year.
The league also said that a minimum of 2,500 new tickets for the final would be donated to NHS and essential workers, while all tickets already bought for the rescheduled date would remain valid.
Exeter Chiefs currently sit top of the Premiership table after 13 rounds, five points ahead of nearest challengers Sale Sharks.
Reigning champions Saracens' demotion to the second tier following salary cap breaches has already been confirmed, while Championship leaders Newcastle Falcons are now officially promoted.
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