Seasons have been put on hold for Workington Town, Whitehaven and the community rugby league game as the Rugby Football League announced fixtures will be suspended until April 3.

A joint statement from Ralph Rimmer, CEO of the Rugby Football League, and Robert Elstone, the executive chairman of Super League Europe, confirmed that, although the sport had continued at the weekend with Town in Challenge Cup action against Sheffield Eagles while Haven had a free weekend, no further games would be played for the rest of the month due to the effect of the ongoing coronavirus outbreak.

The statement, which was released yesterday afternoon, said: “These are unprecedented times, and they present significant financial and commercial implications for rugby league, which will be further considered during the period of suspension.

“Super League is also an international competition, and consideration has to be given to our clubs in Canada and France, particularly around travel restrictions and scheduling fixtures.

“Player welfare and maintaining the integrity of the competition are key concerns moving forward.

“Equally our responsibilities to rugby league communities remain front of mind for all of us.

“The whole country is facing major challenges – and the support of our fans, partners and stakeholders is needed now more than ever before.”

The suspensions will also apply to the community game, while the RFL is set to have further discussions with Championship and League 1 clubs and the community board this week.

Town had been due to host Rochdale on Sunday, while Haven were set to entertain Batley.