Ross Sutherland avoid relegation after Scottish Rugby season declared null and void
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Ross Sutherland will stay in Caledonia North Two next season after Scottish Rugby declared the 2019/20 season null and void.
Scottish Rugby confirmed their decision on Tuesday night, based on Government advice in relation to the Covid-19 virus.
The season was originally suspended for two weeks on March 15 for two weeks when it was hoped clubs could return to action.
But the decision to declare the 2019/20 season null and void means there will be no automatic promotion/relegation from any division in Scotland.
Ross Sutherland were 10 points adrift at the bottom of Caledonia North Two with three games remaining to avoid relegation to Caledonia North Three.
The decision was made after a consultation process involving the participating clubs, Championship and Competition Committee members and Scottish Rugby's Rugby Development Department.
Five possible scenarios were presented, with around 50 per cent clubs favouring the null and void option.
The remaining clubs were split between the other four options.
The second most favoured option – finishing the season based on the league positions at the time of shutdown - received the support of around a quarter of clubs.
Scottish Rugby President Dee Bradbury said: “It was clear from the outset that, in terms of the consequential impact on the various leagues in terms of promotion/relegation there would be no “right” solution, particularly once it was clear that our preferred option of completing the season would no longer be possible.”
“Every solution we looked at was likely to be problematic in some way – none was likely to be supported by everyone. It was therefore considered essential that the full range of options were explored, each potential option was sense checked and that, as far as possible, a broad consensus was reached across the game as to the most appropriate outcome.
“We fully accept some clubs will be disappointed with this decision and share their frustration that, for wider societal reasons beyond our control, their hard work to push for success this season hasn’t yielded the rewards they deserve.”
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