Coronavirus: Rugby League suspends season until 3 April

The Rugby Football League has announced the suspension of all rugby league matches until at least April 3.

Super League clubs held a meeting at Huddersfield's John Smith's Stadium which lasted over seven hours to discuss contingency plans with the RFL.

It means all of the region's teams', including Workington Town and Whitehaven, will have scheduled games postponed.

Championship, League 1, Betfred Women's Super League and community games will also be affected, with the RFL set to conduct further meetings with all parties to discuss the implications over the coming days.

Joint statement from Robert Elstone, the Executive Chairman of Super League Europe, and Ralph Rimmer, CEO of Rugby Football League: “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.

“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.

The statement continues: “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.”

Workington AFC released a statement in support of the suspension of future games. It read: "The Board will convene in the next 48-hours to discuss the implications affecting the club directly.

"There will be numerous issues to debate moving forward but we are aware it will take time for the FA and the Alliance leagues, including the NPL, to assess all options and agree any headway.

"Further updates on the situation will be shared with our supporters just as soon as we are able to do so.

"Clearly the club will now face difficult challenges ahead but the safety of players, staff and supporters is paramount."