THE 2019/20 rugby season has come to an end.

The Welsh Rugby Union board last week confirmed the cancellation of the season for all WRU competitions.

It applies to all WRU cup and league competitions currently underway, as well as the cross-border competition between Welsh and Scottish clubs due to kick off in April.

With a minimum of eight weeks being be required to complete the outstanding fixtures, a significant number of potential solutions were explored, but it was agreed that the only consistent and fair option was to cancel the season.

In light of this, there will be no promotion or relegation in any of the WRU leagues and teams will remain in the league they are currently in.

Joe Mault, of WRU League Division Three (North) leaders Ruthin 2nds, said: "Ruthin 2nds are disappointed about the decision to end the season early, especially as we were doing so well and undefeated in Division Three.

"However, we appreciate the difficult circumstances and the decision that had to be made.

"We encourage everyone to adhere to the rules set out by government and we will return to rugby next season, where we hope to continue our challenge on the league title."

Llangollen Rugby Club manager Huw Evans said: "We are deeply disappointed in the fact that all local rugby has now been called off.

"At Llangollen RFC, this season has all been about re-establishing and building a team, playing friendlies with the end goal of getting a team in the league for the 2020/21 season.

"We have made great strides, numbers in training have been great and from the games which we have played, we are beginning to look sharp and playing the sort of rugby we want to play.

"We completely agree with the decision by the WRU, as the health and wellbeing of all our players and supporters should be at the forefront of our minds.

"We will look forward to local rugby returning next year, all being well."

WRU CEO Martyn Phillips said: "We are well aware of the colossal amount of effort that goes into our game, on and off the field, across Wales.

“We did not take this decision lightly.

"It is not intended to in any way diminish the games that have already taken place or the efforts of everyone involved.

“We were particularly aware of the impact on clubs with the potential to be promoted or win competitions, but in the end we have had to make the decision to ensure we play our part in safeguarding Welsh communities.

"We know clubs will be disappointed but also hope they will be understanding, given the circumstances.

“We know that rugby clubs are facing extraordinary challenges at the moment.

“We will continue to look at all options to ensure the game in Wales emerges from this period and continues to play the vital role in Welsh life that it has for the last 140 years.”