CLUBS across the county are still waiting to see whether they can continue playing as coronavirus tightened its grip on the sport.

The Rugby Football Union discussed their response to the outbreak at a meeting today, with a season suspension likely after several matches were called off at the weekend.

Those postponed included Sunday’s Premiership Rugby Cup final between Sale Sharks and Harlequins, plus three games in the Championship.

Meanwhile, Henley Hawks’ National League 2 South rivals Dings Crusaders postponed their game against Old Redcliffians after one player came into contact with someone who tested positive for the virus.

The latest RFU advice remains for clubs to follow government and Public Health England guidance and that all league and cup games will be played as usual.

But with an update not expected until the coming days, teams have so far largely set their own guidelines.

National League 1 side Chinnor asked that those experiencing flu-like symptoms do not attend their Kingsey Road ground in their latest statement on Friday.

They added: “Based on the latest advice, we see no reason to change any plans for training and fixtures – all events are to go ahead as advertised.

“Due to the number of people who use the club over the course of a week, specifically during Saturday and Sunday, we are asking everyone to continue to follow the latest government advice.”

Chinnor are due to host Plymouth Albion on Saturday, but the implications of an enforced break go far beyond the first team for many sides.

The club are holding off before publicising next month’s childrens’ skills camps, while South West 1 East outfit Banbury Bulls cancelled their Pitch up and Play girls’ taster sessions at the weekend and are waiting before they schedule a new date.

Their statement added: “The senior sides currently plan to keep playing but will continue to monitor the latest government advice.”

Further down the pyramid, Berks, Bucks & Oxon Premier side Abingdon were the only Oxfordshire club whose first team were in action over the weekend.

They are due to face Oxford on Saturday, but the uncertainty over whether that fixture will go ahead and precautions surrounding the virus means the club have postponed their planned celebratory lunch.

A statement on Abingdon’s website said: “The organisers realise that some potential attendees may wish to maintain social distancing protocols, and not attend the event.”