MLR have just binned their entire season

Major League Rugby have scrapped the 2020 season, announcing on Thursday that all remaining matches are cancelled as a result of the covid-19 global crisis and the health and safety guidelines set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

“On behalf of MLR and all of our teams, I’m saddened to announce that the remainder of the 2020 season is cancelled,” said MLR commissioner George Killebrew.

“We believe it is ultimately the correct decision as we factored in health and safety risks for all parties. I want to ensure our fans that there is no doubt MLR will be back in 2021 and will emerge bigger and better than ever before. 

“We will be using this time as an opportunity to grow all aspects of MLR and we’re excited to continue this journey into 2021, and for many years to come.”

Seven days earlier, on March 12, the league had initially announced it was taking a 30-day suspension to determine next steps in regard to the coronavirus pandemic.

Just five rounds of regular season matches had been played in a campaign France's Mathieu Bastareaud and New Zealand's Ma'a Nonu were among the latest stars recruited to help grow the sport's popularity.

Champions San Diego Legion, who snapped up Nonu, were the only unbeaten team before the break in the twelve-team competition. 

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