English Rugby Season Below Premiership Level Canceled

All rugby clubs below the Premiership are facing "potentially serious financial implications" after the Rugby Football Union confirmed all remaining league and cup fixtures this season below the top division have been canceled because of the coronavirus outbreak. The RFU will "not, however, confirm until next month how key issues such as promotion and relegation will be resolved." While the Welsh and Scottish unions have "already pledged financial assistance to smaller clubs, the RFU says it needs more time to work through the various permutations" (London GUARDIAN, 3/20).

Meanwhile, the Irish Rugby Football Union has called off the current '19-20 club season with "immediate effect." As a consequence, there will be "no relegation or promotion in any of the five divisions of the Energia Men’s All-Ireland League" (IRISH TIMES, 3/20).