Following the league shutdown due to coronavirus in March, the Gallagher Premiership looks set for a return to action on August 15th. One week ago, UK government officials announced that elite-level sports would be able to resume on June 1st behind closed doors. 

"Nothing will happen until it is safe to do so but we will do everything we can to resume the 2019-20 Gallagher Premiership Rugby campaign on Saturday Aug. 15," says Premiership Rugby chief executive Darren Childs. 

"We won't take risks with people's health, and rugby has unique challenges due to levels of proximity and impact, but with a number of clubs moving to Stage 1, it is important for us to give players, coaches and clubs clarity on when they can look to return. Bearing that in mind, we look forward to the restart of the season," he added. 

Here are the present standings, with nine games remaining:

1.) Exeter: 9-0-4 | 45 points
2.) Sale Sharks: 8-0-5 | 40 points
3.) Bristol Rugby: 8-1-4 | 38 points
4.) Northampton: 7-0-6 | 35 points
5.) Wasps: 6-0-7 | 33 points
6.) Bath Rugby: 7-0-6 | 30 points
7.) Harlequins: 5-1-7 | 28 points
8.) London Irish: 5-1-7 | 28 points
9.) Gloucester: 4-0-9 | 26 points
10.) Worcester: 4-0-9 | 22 points
11.) Leicester: 4-1-8 | 20 points
12.) Saracens: 9-0-4 | -63 points

The top four teams in the standings advance to the playoffs at season's end.