Major League Rugby suspends matches for 30 days

Rugby ATL’s inaugural season will be put in hold.

Major League Rugby postponed play for all 12 of its teams for the next 30 days, according to a statement released on the league’s website.

“Major League Rugby (MLR) has suspended all matches for 30 days, effective immediately, to assess the impact of COVID-19.”

“The MLR will use this time to determine the next steps in regard to the coronavirus pandemic. The league and clubs will communicate strategies for the continuation of the 2020 season when further determinations have been made. Next steps will be based on guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC), and other public health authorities.”

» More AJC coverage of the coronavirus outbreak

Rugby ATL was five games into its inaugural season before the league made the announcement. Owner Marcus Calloway also released a statement addressing the postponement.

“As you may have seen, Major League Rugby announced that all matches are postponed for the next 30 days,” Calloway said. “The safety and welfare of our fans, our players and support staff are of our foremost concern. As we receive additional insight from the league into the rescheduling of the postponed matches, we will communicate details at that time. We appreciate your support for Rugby ATL during this unprecedented time.”

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