PRO14 cancel league final and list criteria needed to return to action
SWANSEA, WALES - FEBRUARY 22: Hanno Dirksen of Ospreys scores his side's first try during the Guinness Pro14 Round 16 match between Ospreys and Munster Rugby at the Liberty Stadium on February 22, 2019 in Swansea, Wales. (Photo by Athena Pictures/Getty Images)
The PRO14 have cancelled June’s final at the Cardiff City Stadium and confirmed they will refund tickets for the June 20 date.
Furthermore, no PRO14 matches will take place until a number of criteria have been met.
Outlaying the key steps needed to clear teams to return to action, the PRO14 said the board had met over the teleconference to reach the decision.
“The suspension of the 2019/20 season of the Guinness PRO14 is now on an indefinite basis due to the COVID-19 outbreak,” a PRO14 statement confirmed.
“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 our respective competing territories.”
The criteria is 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
League organisers didn’t go as far as voiding the current 2019-20 season, but did confirm they will be cancelling the final on June 20.
The statement added: “Due to the evolving situation, unfortunately 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. Refunds will be made automatically to all who have already purchased tickets.
“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.”
“Should any final be played as part of the 2019/20 season, it will be hosted by the team with highest ranking based upon league records from this campaign.”
“When positive indicators on the criteria listed above PRO14 Rugby will provide another update.
“Everyone across the Guinness PRO14 would urge fans and everyone involved in the sport of rugby to heed the directions from their local health authorities regarding the COVID-19 outbreak and play their part in staying safe.”
