Professional rugby union teams in France will be able to play friendly matches from 14 August, the body governing the Top 14 and ProD2 said Thursday.

The LNR said matches would have to be played in line with health and safety protocols drawn up in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic that saw France's two top leagues halted in mid-March without a champion.

The LNR aim to kick off the 2020/21 season on 4 September.

Bordeaux-Begles, runaway leaders of the Top 14 before the season was cancelled because of the Covid-19 outbreak, are scheduled to play Biarritz, Clermont and Bayonne on consecutive weekends from 14 August.