The French Top 14 rugby league is the latest sporting casualty of the COVID-19 pandemic, after an agreement was reached to abandon the season
After discussions with the presidents of top-flight Top 14 and Pro D2 clubs, the National Rugby League (LNR) has abandoned plans to hold a final phase of matches at the end of August.
The decision affects several former All Blacks, with Jerome Kaino, Liam Messam and Ben Smith among the Kiwi players currently in France.
Earlier this week, French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe announced no professional sport could not take place until September.
"After consultation with the presidents of Top 14 and PRO D2 [second division] clubs, the board will propose to the LNR management committee not to follow up on having playoffs at the end of August to close the 2019-2020 season, to pronounce the end of this 2019-2020 season and to focus on the organisation of the launch of the 2020/21 editions of the two championships, starting in September 2020," the LNR says.
The LNR's management committee is expected to meet within the next couple of weeks to validate its board's decision.
The LNR has not yet decided if champions will be crowned, with Bordeaux Bègles sitting eight points ahead of Lyon, before rugby's shutdown in France.
Lyon president Yann Roubert says it's a "huge shame" that the season will be cancelled.
"It is a terrible blow not to see our immense work and investment justly rewarded at the end of the season, with a third semi-final in a row," says Roubert.
"That loss of the chance to bring the shield home will be hard to take."
The season was halted in mid-March, due to the COVID-19 outbreak, which has killed more than 24,000 people in France.
NBA team executives, agents call for league to cancel season
Team executives and player agents are reportedly calling on the NBA to cancel the rest of the 2019/20 campaign and focus on preparing to play next season instead.
US network CNBC claims some teams don't see the financial incentive to restart the season, when revenues would be minimal - if at all - without fans.
On Monday, the NBA announced it would soon unveil rule changes to allow teams to open their practice facilities for players to take part in treatment and limited workouts, provided the city where the facility is located permits it.
Restrictions still will be in place for the limited opening of facilities, which would not occur before May 8.
The NBA suspended the season March 12, after Utah Jazz centre Rudy Gobert tested positive for coronavirus. The league has discussed plans to resume the season at one central location without fans in attendance.
"What we are saying is, if we return, where is the revenue that is going to justify the additional cost of returning?" one team executive has told CNBC. "They are looking at the cost side versus the revenue side.
"What revenue comes in now?"
The league has responded that it is looking for a way to play this season and beyond, while concentrating on the health of players and fans.
Paris Saint-Germain crowned Ligue 1 champions, after French season called off
Paris St Germain (PSG) have been awarded the Ligue 1 title, after the season ended amid the COVID-19 crisis.
PSG had a 12-point lead over second-placed Marseille, when the season was suspended, as part of French government's measures to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus last month.
Stade Rennais finished third, while Lille are fourth and Nice fifth, but the decision means Amiens and Toulouse will be relegated, and Lorient and Lens promoted.
Lorient have won Ligue 2, also on points per game, with Lens second and both teams will be promoted.
"We have decided there would be two promotions and two relegations," says French League chief executive Didier Quillot. "There might be appeals, but our decisions are solid."
Quillot says the LFP have until May 25 to tell UEFA which clubs would qualify for European competitions.
"We would like to dedicate this 2019/20 Ligue 1 title to healthcare staff and to all the everyday heroes on the front line, whose commitment and self-sacrifice over many weeks have earned our deepest admiration," says PSG chairman Nasser Al-Khelaifi.
"We understand, respect and support the decisions taken by the French government to end the championship.Health, as the government has always said, must be everyone's priority.
"I would like to thank the players, the coach, the technical and medical staff, as well as all the club's employees, for their tremendous work. This trophy is a reward for their hard work every day."
Reuters/Newshub.
