Premiership Rugby has announced its plan to resume the Gallagher Premiership season on 15 August.
With sports across the country returning amid the coronavirus pandemic, the target date was agreed at a board meeting on Thursday evening.
The decision was taken in the wake of Premiership and Championship clubs this week being given provisional authorisation to begin non-contact training, with the structure of the 2019-20 season to follow in due course.
Premiership Rugby chief executive Darren Childs said: "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 15 August.
"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."
Meanwhile, England scrum-half Ben Spencer has agreed to join Bath, with lock Will Spencer and prop Juan Schoeman also signing for next season.
Spencer is leaving relegated Saracens after almost a decade of service and has penned a three-year deal at the Recreation Ground.
The 27-year-old told Sarries' official website: "I'm sad to be leaving a club that's been my life for nine years.
"I'll treasure the memories that I've made at this club for the rest of my life. I leave with incredible memories."
Leicester's Will Spencer returns for a second spell at the club he left in 2016 and Schoeman arrives from the Sharks in South Africa.
In addition to the three new faces, Josh Matavesi has been handed a two-year deal having joined on temporary terms midway through the current campaign.
