PRO14 final cancelled and league season suspended indefinitely
Ulster won’t be returning to competitive action on the rugby pitch any time soon as the suspension of the 2019/20 season of the Guinness PRO14 is now on an indefinite basis due to the COVID-19 outbreak.
A statement released yesterday confirmed how the board of Celtic Rugby DAC met by teleconference this week and agreed upon a strict list of criteria that would enable the Championship to recommence.
However, no decision on a definitive re-commencement date can be made until four key criteria can be met within the respective competing territories.
These are as follows: public Health Authorities cease to prohibit the resumption of sport and group training; travel restrictions between our territories are lifted; no forced isolation or quarantine orders are in force when visiting our territories; player welfare is safeguarded, including requirement for a suitable pre-recommencement training period, to be established in conjunction with the high-performance personnel at our participating unions and teams.
Due to the evolving situation, the board had to take the further decision to cancel the Guinness PRO14 final at Cardiff City Stadium, set to take place on June 20. 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.