The 2020 Netball Superleague season has been terminated with immediate effect because of the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

The season was suspended on March 15 after only three full rounds of fixtures, with governing body, Netball England, making the “difficult decision” following consultation with the league’s board, all of the 10 teams and stakeholders.

Instead, a “stand-alone short-form” competition could be held in the autumn if it is “achievable and safe”.

England Netball chief executive, Fran Connolly, said: “It has become clear that large sporting gatherings will unlikely be deemed safe in coming weeks, or months.

“So, after lengthy discussions, we believe that it would be illogical or unsustainable to reignite the season without crowds.

“It was, though, very disappointing to have to make this announcement and we couldn’t keep teams and players in limbo on the matter”.

She also said that she was in discussions over a small-scale international tournament with Australia, South Africa and New Zealand, which could take place in the autumn to keep up the national side’s sharpness, provide revenue for the Superleague and keep the sport in the public eye.