The proposal for an Australian domestic rugby competition has been put on ice until 1 May at the earliest after the coronavirus pandemic worsened over the weekend.
Due to the rapid growth of COVID-19 and new government restrictions on travel, Rugby Australia (RA) were left with little choice but to postpone their plans.
They join both the AFL and NRL, who announced they have suspended their seasons.
“Rugby Australia and the Super Rugby teams have made the decision today to suspend the start of the revised competition on the latest guidance from the various government and health authorities and our chief medical officer,” RA chief executive Raelene Castle said.
While no Australian rugby player has tested positive to the disease to date, Castle said, “this is bigger than sport and that is why we will continue to put the health and welfare of our people above anything else”.
RA announced on Friday their intention to start a new five-team competition comprising only Australian teams, to start on 3 April.
The Brumbies would be joined by the Rebels, Reds, Waratahs and the returning Force in the new-look competition.
The Force were booted out of Super Rugby in 2017 but have kept playing in the Rapid Rugby tournament.
The Super Rugby season was suspended due to strict travel restrictions imposed by Australia and New Zealand making it impossible to continue. It has seen South Africa and New Zealand also exploring new domestic competitions.
The Brumbies were the clear standout team in the Australian conference having won 5 out of 6 matches and having defeated each team in their conference.
The Brumbies had just come off a dominant display against the Waratahs, winning 47-14 at GIO Stadium Canberra on Sunday 15 March, which might be the last we see of them for some time.
