Reports tonight in The Telegraph that PRL expected to postpone all fixtures for at least four weeks.
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/rugby-union/2020/03/14/premiership-rugby-expected-announce-matches-will-postponed-four/by Gavin Mairs - Chief rugby Union correspondent
“ Premiership Rugby is expected to announce on Monday that all league matches will be postponed for at least four weeks in response to the public safety risks posed by the coronavirus outbreak.
Sources suggest that at least the next two rounds of matches will be postponed following on-going dialogue between club owners and PRL over the weekend.
With the Champions Cup quarter-finals currently scheduled for the weekend of Apr 4/5, it is understood the situation will be revised to see if the league campaign can resume on Apr 11/12.
The option of playing the remainder of the league behind closed doors is now regarded as "highly unlikely", although PRL are determined not to cancel any fixtures, even if it means extending the season into the summer months.
“Premiership rugby are working closely with their own medical experts, DCMS & Public Health England and all clubs,” said a PRL spokesman.
“Sunday's Premiership Rugby Cup final has been postponed, so it's sensible to wait for latest advice so we can make an informed decision for the rest of the season, in the coming days.
“Premiership Rugby reiterated last night that the welfare of fans, players and staff is their first concern and decision are important to get right. That advice will allow Premiership Rugby and its clubs to make a well-informed decision in the coming days.”
The Rugby Football Union meanwhile has said its advice to clubs to keep playing has not changed despite their Welsh counterparts on Saturday joining Scotland and Ireland in suspending all domestic rugby.
Three Greene King IPA Championship games that were due to take place on Saturday, Nottingham v Jersey Reds, London Scottish v Hartpury and Ealing Trailfinders v Yorkshire Carnegie, were all postponed because of suspected incidents of the virus however.
An RFU spokeswoman said: “Current Government advice is that amateur and professional sporting events should go ahead unless there are significant mitigating circumstances.
“In line with many other sports, rugby union league and cup matches and the grassroots game in England is to be played as usual this weekend, unless there is a specific reason to postpone identified by the clubs. “We will continually review this based on Government advice. ”
The Six Nations meanwhile dismissed reports that the bidding process for the broadcasting rights for the tournament had not been postponed because of the outbreak.
"Media rights process has not been delayed,” said a senior Six Nations spokesperson.
“Multiple proposals were received this week as required and discussions are on-going with all interested parties with no pre-determined viewpoint.”
Topic: Premiership expected to be postponed? (Read 2002 times)
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