THE WRU Board has confirmed the cancellation of the 2019/20 season - with all of its domestic league and cup competitions being scrapped.

The news comes as a major disappointment to all clubs chasing silverware this season, including Aberaeron, who had reached the semi-finals of the WRU Bowl, and were just one game away from playing at the Principality Stadium.

With six games to go, Lampeter were top of Division Three West A, and Newcastle Emlyn were chasing promotion back into the Championship in Division One West.

The decision, informed by a comprehensive review of all league and cup competitions in light of the coronavirus threat, was taken at a Board meeting on Friday, 20 March.

The WRU confirmed the decision applies to all WRU cup and league competitions underway, as well as the cross-border competition between Welsh and Scottish clubs due to kick off in April.

A significant number of potential solutions were explored, but ultimately it was agreed that the “only consistent and fair option” was to cancel the season completely.

There will be no promotion or relegation in any of the WRU leagues this year, and teams will remain in the league they are currently in.“We are well aware of the colossal amount of effort that goes into our game, on and off the field, across Wales,” said WRU CEO Martyn Phillips.“We did not take this decision lightly. It is not intended to in any way diminish the games that have already taken place or the efforts of everyone involved.

“We were particularly aware of the impact on clubs with the potential to be promoted or win competitions, but in the end we have had to make the decision to ensure we play our part in safeguarding Welsh communities.

“We know clubs will be disappointed but also hope they will be understanding, given the circumstances.

“We know that rugby clubs are facing extraordinary challenges at the moment.

“We will continue to look at all options to ensure the game in Wales emerges from this period and continues to play the vital role in Welsh life that it has for the last 140 years.”

A presentation from medical staff confirmed that continuing to play brought with it transmission risks for the players, coaches, referees, volunteers and supporters.

Some competitions also require medical support and doctors in attendance, and so it was argued that continuing to play would bring the risk of adding to the unprecedented burden on the NHS, and that it would be socially irresponsible to do this.

A review of competitions was also considered with the key points being that no team in any league is currently mathematically guaranteed promotion or relegation.

It stated there are 1,113 WRU Specsavers National League and Indigo Group Premiership games that need to be played to complete league competitions, and an absolute minimum of eight weeks equired to complete the outstanding fixtures.Rugby activity remains suspended until further notice - and this includes no training or games, no use of club gym facilities, no organised sessions nor unsanctioned gatherings at rugby premises.