Premiership Rugby chiefs have confirmed they are targeting a return to competition for the league by 15 August.

At a board meeting on Thursday, the target restart date was agreed following the announcement earlier this week that Premiership Rugby clubs can move to Stage 1: Elite Sport Return to Training.

Premiership Rugby CEO Darren Childs says despite the prospective return on 15 August, there will be no return-to-play if it is unsafe to do so.

‘Nothing will happen until it is safe to do so but we will do everything we can to resume the 2019-20 Gallagher Premiership Rugby campaign on Saturday 15 August,’ Childs said.

‘We won’t take risks with people’s health, and rugby has unique challenges due to levels of proximity and impact, but with a number of clubs moving to Stage 1, it is important for us to give players, coaches and clubs clarity on when they can look to return. Bearing that in mind, we look forward to the restart of the season.’

‘The structure of the 2019-20 season will follow in due course.’

The Exeter Chiefs are currently five points clear at the top of the table, followed by the Sale Sharks, Bristol Bears and Northampton Saints.

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