Pro14 Rugby has announced that the season will now be suspended indefinitely and have cancelled the final in Cardiff on 20 June.
This comes after the board of Celtic Rugby DAC, the company that operates the Pro14, met by teleconference this week and agreed upon a strict list of criteria that would enable the tournament to recommence.
The criteria include:
- Public Health Authorities cease to prohibit the resumption of sport and group training
- Travel restrictions between the competition’s territories are lifted
- No forced isolation or quarantine orders are in force when visiting the territories
- Player welfare is safeguarded, including a requirement for a suitable pre-recommencement training period, to be established in conjunction with the high-performance personnel at our participating unions and teams
Until all four key criteria are met, no decision can be made on a definite re-commencement of the season.
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Unfortunately, due to the current evolving situation around the Covid-19 virus, Pro14 Rugby has also made the decision to call off the final set to be held at Cardiff City Stadium on 20 June. Refunds will be made automatically to all who have already purchased tickets.
Should any final be played as part of the 2019-20 season, it will be hosted by the team with highest ranking based upon league records from this campaign.
Proposals regarding how to restart the season will be reviewed in the near future. Pro14 Rugby is working with key stakeholders to carefully examine several proposals that can be implemented and delivered in order to close out the season – albeit at a later date.
When positive indicators on the criteria listed above Pro14 Rugby will provide another update.
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