Scottish Rugby has declared the 2019-20 domestic season in Scotland null and void due to the coronavirus pandemic.

With the move Scotland aligns itself with Ireland, Wales and Italy in cancelling their seasons completely and becomes the latest directly linked to Covid-19.

The SRU says there will be no automatic promotion/relegation.

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‘Five possible scenarios were presented, with around half of clubs favouring the null-and-void option,’ said Scottish Rugby stated. ‘The second-most favoured option – finishing the season based on the league positions at the time of shutdown – received the support of around a quarter of clubs.’

SRU president Dee Bradbury added: ‘It was clear from the outset that, in terms of the consequential impact on the various leagues in terms of promotion/relegation there would be no right solution, particularly once it was clear that our preferred option of completing the season would no longer be possible.

‘Every solution we looked at was likely to be problematic in some way – none was likely to be supported by everyone.

‘It was therefore considered essential that the full range of options were explored, each potential option was sense checked and that, as far as possible, a broad consensus was reached across the game as to the most appropriate outcome.

‘We fully accept some clubs will be disappointed with this decision and share their frustration that, for wider societal reasons beyond our control, their hard work to push for success this season hasn’t yielded the rewards they deserve.’

Photo: Scottish Rugby