Coronavirus: Melton RFC status in balance as RFU ends season

Last Friday, the RFU confirmed the end of the 2019/20 season for all league, cup and county rugby in England except for the Gallagher Premiership.

Melton had four games of the Midlands Two East (South) campaign outstanding, and were fighting a rearguard action against relegation, but will now finish the season second-bottom in 11th place.

Melton RFC chairman Marcus Twidale said: “In these unprecedented times of uncertainty all we can hope for is everyone to be safe.

“The virus has given perspective to life and sport, therefore we as a community rugby club will play next year in whatever league, enjoying physical activity and friendship which ultimately holds us together as a club.”

They trailed St Ives by five points and ninth-placed Long Buckby by seven, but three of their four remaining fixtures were against teams in the top four.

Syston, meanwhile, just needed two wins from their final five matches to confirm promotion and led Midlands One East by 13 points with a game in hand.

The RFU has still to confirm the outcome of promotion and relegation.

RFU chief executive Bill Sweeney said: “When current government advice on social distancing measures changes, we will naturally encourage rugby training and friendlies to recommence.

“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.

“We are working on this as a priority and we will continue to send weekly updates to clubs.”