English Premiership rugby clubs are set to ask their players to take a 25 per cent pay cut to help offset financial pressures.

The season is currently suspended until April 20  and clubs are losing thousands of pounds through the loss of revenue from ticket sales.

All clubs are expected to make a £1 million loss during the season's suspension.

Northampton Saints CEO Mark Darbon said earlier this week that the club are losing £400,000 per home game they miss.

The Rugby Players Association, the players union, met via conference call yesterday and advised players not to take the cut at this stage.

The RPA chief executive, Damian Hopley, said: "While we fully appreciate the unprecedented times around global sport, we are also seeking urgent clarification on the current financial impact for English club rugby.

"Our advice is that players hear what the clubs have to say and then we will consider a collective position across the league."

The Rugby Football Union have not yet said that they will give financial aid to clubs despite both the Welsh and Scottish governing bodies offering money to their sides. 

Meanwhile the Irish Rugby Football Union have cancelled their domestic season with immediate affect.