The 2019-20 rugby season is in serious doubt after the Guinness Pro14 was suspended indefinitely in response to the coronavirus pandemic.

The move was inevitable for a league featuring Italian, Welsh, Scottish, Irish and South African teams, and the resulting fixture backlog only makes completion of 2020 Six Nations more difficult.

All domestic rugby activity has also been halted, including training sessions.

Next month's Heineken Champions Cup quarter-finals must also be in doubt, along with Ireland's summer Tour to Australia.

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For now the only certainty is that the imminent rounds of the Pro14 have been suspended, with no date for resumption put forward by the competition.

David Jordan, tournament director Pro14 Rugby, said: "We have made this decision with everyone's welfare foremost in our minds. With an evolving situation in the five countries that take part in Guinness Pro14 it is important to make a clear decision that is in keeping with the advice of the various governments involved."

Resumption of the 2019/20 season will now become a matter of constant review, during what they describe as "an unprecedented action for the tournament".

Leinster are currently top of Conference A on 61 points after 3 wins from 13 games, with Ulster in second place on 41 points. Munster are second in Conference B, behind Edinburgh, with Connacht in fourth.

Ulster Rugby advised ticketholders to retain them as they'll remain valid for refixed matches.

"All ticket holders are advised to retain their tickets for Ulster Rugby home fixtures as they may be valid for any re-scheduled fixture. In the event of any game being cancelled we will communicate to Season Ticket holders and match ticket holders regarding a refund policy."

Meanwhile, the IRFU, together with Connacht, Leinster, Munster and Ulster Rugby, have announced the suspension of all domestic rugby activity from 6pm this evening until 29 March.