In a statement released on Monday evening, RA said the decision had been made following a meeting of the National Development Panel, and it was "unanimously agreed" by all state and territory member unions.

Though RA's statement does not explicitly name COVID-19 as the cause of the delay, it follows a similar statement from the Brumbies two days earlier which announced the suspension of all upcoming Brumbies fixtures for the foreseeable future due to the pandemic.

RA's announcement includes matches, training, and face-to-face rugby education courses.

The Goulburn Dirty Reds were scheduled to play their first round match against the Royals on March 28, while the women would get underway a week later on April 4 against Easts.

In response to the announcement, club president Peter Greaves agreed with RA's decision.

"At the end of the day, they're doing the right thing," Greaves said.

"We don't want to be shouldered with any blame from us doing anything inappropriate with this virus around."

Looking on the bright side, Greaves added that the club would "probably only miss three rounds", due to the two scheduled byes in the first five weeks of play.

In its statement, RA said the decision had not been made lightly, but its first priority was the health of its players and supporters.

"[This decision] has been made with the interests of the participants, families and the broader community as the priority," RA said.

"In arriving at this decision, Rugby Australia and the Member Unions have considered public health information and the advice of the Rugby Australia Chief Medical Officer, Dr Warren McDonald."

Instead of the full season, RA and the individual state bodies have proposed a modified season which they intend to begin in early May.

"Rugby Australia and the Member Unions are fully committed to supporting the game through this difficult time," RA said.

"The modified season will vary at a local level to best support the needs of our local Rugby communities.

"It is acknowledged that there are a variety of Rugby competitions underway and Rugby Australia will work closely with Member Unions to minimise this disruption."

The National Development Panel said it will monitor the situation and announce updates to the rugby community as soon as they are available.

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