SAINTS will resume their defence of the Super League title on August 2, more than four months after the season was suspended because of the coronavirus pandemic.

The restart date for the competition has been confirmed today.

Three matches will be played on that date at one venue behind closed doors, it has been said.

A revised schedule will see a further 15 rounds of fixtures, with a four-team play-off system culminating in a Grand Final set to be in late November.

Remaining games are to be played at a small number of neutral venues until government directives change.

The first day of action on August 2 will see Hull KR play Toronto Wolfpack, champions St Helens will face Catalans Dragons and Huddersfield will take on Leeds - all matches that were postponed before the season was suspended.

A full round of fixtures will follow during the weekend of 8-9 August.

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."
 

No matches have been played in Super League since March 15 before the coronavirus shutdown.