The Rugby Football Union has announced that all cup, country and league rugby for the remainder of this season, aside from the Gallagher Premiership, has been cancelled due to coronavirus fears.
Talks remain ongoing as to whether the Men’s premiership will continue, but matches have been suspended for at least the next five weeks. For the women’s game however, the season has come to a shocking and abrupt end.
In a statement, RFU chief executive Bill Sweeney declared "The Rugby Football Union is announcing the end of the 2019/20 rugby season for all league, cup and county rugby in England. The only exception to this is the Gallagher Premiership, who we are in active discussions with to review possible best next steps.”
The Premier 15’s had been hotly contested this year. Saracens and Harlequins were leading the way at the top of the table, with the former maintaining a 100% win record throughout their campaign. Harlequins themselves remained just two points adrift, with the London rivals set to do battle on the 18th April at the Allianz Park, in what would likely have been a winner takes all clash.
The bottom of the table was tight as well with Firwood Water Ladies and Richmond both looking to avoid relegation. It is unclear what the fate of these respective teams will be, but the RFU says it will ensure "fair and balanced outcomes" for the game, which will be finalised by the middle of April.