BETFRED Championship and League One clubs held a scheduled forum via video conference yesterday, chaired by Simon Johnson, RFL Chair.

The clubs discussed a range of issues, with the main topic of discussion to consider options for the 2020 season, following its suspension on March 16.

Reports from the two working groups that had been set up at the last forum, in mid-May, were presented – one on cost and logistics, the other on revenue opportunities.

A range of views were expressed by clubs, both on the issues involved – now involving the possible return of crowds to sport later in the year - and on when a decision should be made regarding the 2020 season.

The clubs will now be invited to present their views formally via a survey, and those views will be carried forward to the next RFL Board meeting on July 6.

Clubs also considered a presentation on recommendations from the RFL Laws Committee meeting earlier this month, focusing on the reasons for changes recommended for the 2020 season – which will also be carried forward to the July RFL Board meeting.

But there is less uncertainty in the top tier, as it was announced today that the Super League season will return with three fixtures on August 2.

The restart will see Hull KR face Toronto Wolfpack, St Helens take on Catalans Dragons and Huddersfield go up against Leeds at a single behind closed doors venue.

On the following weekend (August 8-9), all clubs will be back in action in a full round of fixtures.

It was decided at a Super League Board meeting that the revised season will have 15 rounds of matches followed by a top-four semi-final play-off, with the winners contesting the Grand Final in late November.

It was also agreed that the 2021 season will kick off at a later date than the traditional opening weekend of February.

A Super League statement added: “At the moment, and until government directives change, Betfred Super League fixtures will take place behind closed doors at a small number of neutral venues that meet the stringent guidance from both government and the game’s clinical advisory group.

“Super League is also closely monitoring government directives in both France and Canada.”