PRO14 SEASON SUSPENDED

THE Guinness Pro14 has been suspended indefinitely as the coronavirus crisis continues to bring the world of sport grinding to a halt. A date for the resumption of the campaign has not been specified, with league chiefs stressing it will be ‘a matter of constant review’. Teams from Scotland, Wales, Ireland, Italy and South Africa had been set to return to action next weekend following the recent break during the Six Nations. Glasgow Warriors were due to visit Wales to play Ospreys next Saturday, while Edinburgh were scheduled to begin a twoweek swing in South Africa against Southern Kings and Cheetahs. But, with Italy in a state of total lockdown, and the Irish government outlining robust measures to combat the outbreak yesterday, the fulfilment of fixtures simply would not have been feasible. Next month’s Heineken Champions Cup and Challenge Cup fixtures are also in doubt, meaning that European club rugby could also face total shutdown. Edinburgh currently sit top of Conference B in the Pro14, while Glasgow are also well-placed in Conference A to make the end-of-season play-offs. The final of the competition is due to be played at the Cardiff City Stadium on June 20, but that date may now be subject to review. A Pro14 statement read: ‘It is in the best interests of everyone that games are not played at this time. ‘This is an unprecedented action for the tournament and, as such, no end date to the suspension can be provided at this time.’