THE RFU has announced that the rugby season has been cancelled at all levels, due to the continuing coronavirus outbreak. 

It is not yet known how the news will affect the district's sides, in terms of promotion and relegation. 

In a statement on Friday morning, the RFU's Bill Sweeney said: "In order to provide clarity and to assist with immediate and longer term planning, the Rugby Football Union is announcing the end of the 2019/20 rugby season for all league, cup and county rugby in England.  The only exception to this is the Gallagher Premiership, who we are in active discussions with to review possible best next steps.

"When current government advice on social distancing measures changes, we will naturally encourage rugby training and friendlies to recommence.  

"I would like to personally thank everyone for their swift actions in suspending rugby activity, this is not an easy time and I know many of you will have concerns that go beyond the game.

"We are working through the implications of ending the season early and have instigated a thorough process to ensure fair and balanced outcomes for the game.  We will communicate these outcomes by the middle of April.

"While we would like to provide all the answers now, we need some time to get it right for the best interests of the game.  Rest assured we are working on this as a priority and we will continue to send weekly updates to clubs."