Coronavirus: Super League season suspended in wake of outbreak

Fixtures went ahead as planned this weekend despite widespread cancellations across the rest of the sporting calendar

The Rugby Football League and Super League have suspended all fixtures until April 3 at the earliest in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak.

Fixtures went ahead as planned this weekend despite widespread cancellations across the rest of the sporting calendar.

But on Monday the decision was reached in a meeting between clubs to postpone all rugby league fixtures, from the Betfred Super League to “the community game”, with immediate effect.

“These are unprecedented times, and they present significant financial and commercial implications for Rugby League, which will be further considered during the period of suspension,” a joint statement from Robert Elstone, the executive chairman of Super League Europe, and Ralph Rimmer, CEO of the Rugby Football League read.

“Super League is also an international competition, and consideration has to be given to our clubs in Canada and France, particularly around travel restrictions and scheduling fixtures.

“Player welfare and maintaining the integrity of the competition are key concerns moving forward. Equally our responsibilities to Rugby League communities remain front of mind for all of us.

“The whole country is facing major challenges – and the support of our fans, partners and stakeholders is needed now more than ever before.”