Saints chief executive Mark Darbon backs decision to suspend top flight rugby for five weeks

On Monday, rugby union joined other sports including football, rugby league, Formula One and athletics in calling a halt to action, with the Gallagher Premiership saying the league is suspended until April 24 at the earliest.

Saints' Heineken Champions Cup quarter-final at Exeter Chiefs, scheduled for April 4, is also off, and Darbon believes the right decisions have been made.

“The health, safety and well-being of all staff, players and supporters continues to be the club’s absolute priority,” said Saints chief executive Mark Darbon.

“This is a completely unprecedented development and the club continues to be guided by PRL and government with regards to next steps.

“We will keep supporters informed as we receive further information and appreciate their patience in the meantime.”

A club statement added: "As a result of this announcement, the club’s upcoming Gallagher Premiership fixtures against Wasps (h), London Irish (a), Bath (h) and Harlequins (a) have been postponed.

"Northampton Wanderers’ fixtures against Gloucester United, Leicester Tigers, and Sale Jets have also been postponed.

"The club will be in touch with season ticket holders, match ticket purchasers, hospitality guests and box holders via email within the next 24 hours to outline the implications for their tickets."

The Rugby Players Association also backed the move to suspend the league, with chief executive Damien Hopley saying: "The RPA fully supports PRL’s decision to postpone Gallagher Premiership fixtures, to ensure the wellbeing and safety of all our members, club employees and rugby fans across the country.

"The RPA has been in constant contact with Premiership Rugby and the RFU who are working closely with DCMS, Public Health England and World Health Organization on this matter.

"In light of the Government’s Cobra meeting and announcement on Monday evening, today’s difficult decision has been made in the best short term interests of the sport.

"The uncertainty surrounding COVID-19 presents extraordinary challenges and risks, so it is therefore vital that we follow the Government protocols at this time to ensure the health and safety of everyone involved in the game.

"In this unprecedented situation we will continue to work closely with Premiership Rugby and the RFU to provide updates to our membership when more information becomes available."