Premiership Rugby is expected to resume its season on 15 August after a target date was agreed following a board meeting on Thursday.
As a result of the meeting, plans will now be out in place as to how the competition looks to conclude its campaign, with the Gallagher Premiership’s revised structure yet to be announced.
Darren Childs, Chief Executive of Premiership Rugby stated: “Nothing will happen until it is safe to do so but we will do everything we can to resume the 2019-20 Gallagher Premiership Rugby campaign on Saturday, 15 August.
“We won’t take risks with people’s health, and rugby has unique challenges due to levels of proximity and impact, but with a number of clubs moving to Stage 1, it is important for us to give players, coaches and clubs clarity on when they can look to return. Bearing that in mind, we look forward to the restart of the season.”
As Childs alluded to, Premiership Rugby clubs had already moved on to stage one of the league’s plan to resume its operations, with players and coaches returning to training.
Rugby Union’s top-tier domestic competition was suspended indefinitely in April due to the global health pandemic. Whilst Saracens’ fate has already been sealed due to being relegated for breaching salary cap rules, nine games still to play for each team in the regular season to decide the final standings.
Tarquin McDonald, Chief Executive of Bath Rugby added: “This is hugely positive news – we are all desperate to get back and play. The safety of our staff and players remains our top priority, and our Performance Department and support staff have done an excellent job ensuring we can commence individual training from 15th June in line with guidance from the Professional Game Board.
“We welcome this news and crucially can now set timeframes in order to maximise our athletes’ readiness for a return to competition when that time comes in August.”
Divisions below the Gallagher Premiership have all been canceled as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. However, the Newcastle Falcons have been promoted to the Premiership for the 2020-21 season due to the club’s performance in the Championship.
