Premiership Rugby have announced their intention to complete the 2019-20 season in full, once it is deemed safe to do so.

The competition had initially been suspended until April 14 due to the pandemic, and it has not yet been confirmed whether this date will be moved.

Darren Childs, CEO at Premiership Rugby said: "Following a series of constructive meetings with our clubs, investors, players’ representatives, commercial and broadcast partners, and the RFU, we have agreed on our approach to restart rugby, as soon as it is safe to do so.

“This is not an easy conversation," he added.

"We are dealing with a catastrophic pandemic that is unprecedented in our lifetimes, the effects of which are heartbreaking and devastating. 

"We also must recognise that when the pandemic is finally at an end, there will still be the economic challenge for many years to come. 

"The markets and businesses that people rely upon are not immune to this virus."

He finished by saying: "We all remain committed to finding a way to play, so long as we can do this safely, and with the welfare of players, staff and fans at the heart of every decision.”

Current leaders, Exeter Chiefs, who are five points clear of Sale Sharks at the top, still have nine games of the regular season to play.

Final rounds of the league were due to take place on June 6 with the final at Twickenham two weeks later on June 20.

All other divisions of English rugby have had their 2019-20 campaigns ended and relegation and promotions have already been decided.