Domestic union comp postponed

RUGBY UNION: Rugby Australia has postponed the launch of its new domestic competition and ordered players to immediately stop training in light of the government's new restrictions to try and slow the spread of coronavirus.

RA had been planning to start the five-team tournament, involving Australia's four idle Super Rugby sides and the Western Force, on April 3 in a last-gasp attempt to try and keep the game afloat after the Super Rugby reason was stopped and all other competitions were delayed.

But the kick off has been delayed until at least the start of May, with players told to go home and self-isolate.

“Rugby Australia and the Super Rugby teams have made the decision today to suspend the start of the revised competition on the latest guidance from the various government and health authorities and our chief medical officer,” RA chief executive Raelene Castle said in a statement.

“Our priority is the health and welfare of our athletes and our wider rugby community as we continue to adapt to an unprecedented and constantlyevolving situation for our game and society.

“The decision to postpone the restart of the competition until May 1 is in line with the suspension of all community rugby in Australia and will give us the opportunity to review our position across the whole Rugby landscape in a month's time.”

The decision not to proceed with the competition is another massive blow to the code, which is facing financial ruin with negotiations for a new broadcast deal currently on hold, but Castle said the health and safety of everyone involved in the game was the top priority.