The NHRU will follow a Rugby Australia recommendation to suspend all activities to reduce the risk of transmitting the COVID-19 virus.

The ban wipes out the opening four rounds of Premier Rugby and the first two weeks of Divisional as well as Saturday's representative games against Parramatta.

"We are operating on the principle that we are suspended until May 2," NHRU president Bill Clifton said. "We are planning for everything to start up again until it's obvious that it won't. It is a very fluid situation but we have some certainty until May 2.

"The most likely scenario is that we write off the games up until that point. It is perhaps not going to be truly fair and equal. But it will be either that or cancel the first round. We will consult with the clubs as the May 2 milestone gets closer."

If the first round is cancelled, teams won't play until June 13. The grand final is locked in for August 28 and there are no spare weekends to play catch-up games. The Test between the Wallabies and Argentina is in Newcastle on September 5.

Clifton said the clubs had been understanding.

"The positive out of this is that everyone is supportive of what we are doing," he said. "The Hawthorne Club, the referees, the juniors and seniors are operating as a true rugby zone for the first time in a long while."

Apart from the clash against Parramatta, Newcastle's match with the Australian Army in May is in doubt as is the Country Championships in Tamworth on June 6-8.

Newcastle have committed to sending a colts, women's and men's team to Tamworth.

"It is at risk as well," Clifton said. "Last year we sent colts and women but not men. This year we are sending all three. NSW Country have listened to all the zones. We have been trying to affect a bit of change for a while and we are getting some co-operation and positive change. We are supporting it. We are in the Caldwell Cup (division one) which means we will send our best team."

Clifton said the plans to tour Argentina in September were proceeding at this stage.