Newcastle Falcons' promotion hopes in doubt after season ended early due to coronavirus

A general view of play during the Greene King IPA Championship match between Newcastle Falcons and Coventry at Kingston Park.

The Falcons are top of the Championship following a stunning run of 15 wins from 15 games.

However, all rugby below the Premiership has now ended early with the RFU now conducting a ‘thorough process to ensure fair and balanced outcomes for the game’.

A club statement read: “Newcastle Falcons have taken note of today’s announcement from the RFU regarding the 2019-20 season coming to a premature close.

“Once we have clarity on the situation we will communicate further with supporters and stakeholders, with the RFU stating they hope to have an announcement by the middle of April with regards to ‘fair and balanced outcomes for the game’.”

The RFU statement in full read:

“Message from RFU Chief Executive Bill Sweeney

My thoughts and those of all of us at the RFU are with everyone impacted by COVID-19 as well as recent flooding events, both across the country at large but also within our own rugby union community.

In order to provide clarity and to assist with immediate and longer term planning, the RFU is today announcing the end of the 2019/20 rugby season for all league, cup and county rugby in England. The only exception to this is the Gallagher Premiership, who we are in active discussions with to review possible best next steps.

When current government advice on social distancing measures changes, we will naturally encourage rugby training and friendlies to recommence.

I would like to personally thank everyone for their swift actions in suspending rugby activity, this is not an easy time and I know many of you will have concerns that go beyond the game.

We are working through the implications of ending the season early and have instigated a thorough process to ensure fair and balanced outcomes for the game. We will communicate these outcomes by the middle of April. While we would like to provide all the answers now, we need some time to get it right for the best interests of the game. Rest assured we are working on this as a priority and we will continue to send weekly updates to clubs.”