Whitehaven and Workington Town face a waiting game to find out if and when their seasons can get back under way after the Rugby Football League’s chief executive conceded the sport’s suspension due to the ongoing coronavirus outbreak must be “considerably longer”.

The RFL confirmed last week that rugby league would be grinding to a halt for a three-week period, with no fixtures to be played at any level until at least April 3 following Government advice.

Following a conference call with the Super League clubs yesterday, Ralph Rimmer acknowledged that the suspension would have to be longer, meaning both clubs and community sides are no closer to knowing when they can return to playing.

A joint statement issued by Rimmer and Super League executive chairman Robert Elstone said: “With the country having taken such unprecedented measures, the primary focus and priority for all has to be the public health emergency – an approach that is equally applicable for our overseas clubs.

“Rugby league clubs are deeply embedded in their communities, and we are committed as a sport to following Government advice and doing all we can to promote the importance of physical and mental health – for our supporters, players and colleagues.

“In line with the approach announced by the UK Government on Monday night, we will regularly review the situation regarding the possibility of resuming fixtures.”

Rimmer added: “We will also be updating other sections of the game with the latest thinking regarding the suspension of the season, as the sensible approach is clearly to continue working on various scenarios while acknowledging the suspension is going to be considerably longer than the three-week period we had initially confirmed.”