The Professional Game Board has today released a statement on work being done in preparation for any return to playing rugby.

Chris Booy, Professional Game Board Chair, said: “A meeting of the Professional Game Board was held today which incorporates representatives of the Rugby Football Union, Premiership Rugby, Rugby Players Association and Championship Clubs.

“The group agreed that, although a huge amount of work is being undertaken to enable a safe return to training for Premiership clubs, more time was needed to ensure that players, staff and officials can return to a safe training environment, and that is not expected to be in place for a minimum of two weeks.

“Safety and welfare remains of paramount importance to all of us in the rugby community, and we look forward to the season resuming when it is safe to do so.

“Further updates on progress will be made in due course.”