Doncaster Knights players and staff placed on furlough leave

The Championship club had said previously, like all other clubs and businesses, they were reviewing their options to maintain financial viability.

A club statement said: “To protect the long-term sustainability of the Club, and safeguard jobs and talent, Doncaster RFC can confirm that we have furloughed all players and the majority of staff as a result of the Coronavirus outbreak.

“In accordance with Government requirements, due to the Coronavirus pandemic, Castle Park was closed on Friday, 20th March 2020 for an unknown period of time, and the remainder of the 2019/20 rugby season cancelled by the RFU.

“To ensure that we are in a position to go forward once rugby and business operations resume, management has placed the playing squad and majority of staff on furlough leave under the government’s Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS).

“The scheme enables us to continue to pay our players and staff to avoid redundancies during this difficult period.

“These are unprecedented times for everyone concerned and we would like to thank our players, coaches, staff, supporters, sponsors and everyone associated with Doncaster RFC for your support.

“Selected members of staff are still contactable via the Club phone number 01302 831388. Please get in touch if you have any queries, and continue to look after yourselves and your families.”

Knights said last week they were unable to refund season ticket holders for matches cancelled due to coronavirus outbreak and requested corporate clients to honour their bookings.

Their final two home matches against Yorkshire Carnegie and Newcastle Falcons were cancelled following the earlier-than-expected end to the season.

*Knights finished tenth in the 12-team Championship after the RFU calculated the final standings using a best playing record formula. Falcons were promoted and Carnegie were relegated.