Coronavirus: Wales v Scotland Six Nations match postponed

Scotland’s Six Nations clash with Wales has been called off due to the spread of coronavirus.

The decision has been taken 24 hours before the teams were to take to the field at the Principality Stadium.

In a statement, the Welsh Rugby Union said: ” The Welsh Rugby Union has maintained an open dialogue with, and continued to seek advice and direction from, the National Assembly for Wales and other stakeholders, including the Six Nations, on this fast-moving issue.

“Whilst medical advice remains consistent, we have decided that it is in the best interests of supporters, players and staff to fall in line with recent measures taken across the UK and global sports industries.

“The WRU would like to thank all parties for their counsel on the subject and will make further announcements with respect to rescheduling the fixture in the coming days.

“Every effort has been made to stage this game and we appreciate that individuals will have been inconvenienced.

“Given the fluid and unprecedented nature of this issue a postponement became the only viable option.”

The cancellation means there will be no Six Nations matches played this weekend. England’s match against Italy in Rome and France’s game against Ireland had already been cancelled.

A Scottish Rugby spokesperson said: “Scottish Rugby has acknowledged the decision of the WRU to postpone tomorrow’s Guinness Six Nations match in Cardiff.

“While it is disappointing the fixture could not go ahead there are clearly wider public safety issues unfolding at this unprecedented time. We support the WRU in the difficult decision they have had to make and will continue to have strong relationship with them going forward.

“All the Scotland players and management team would like to pass on their thanks to the Scotland fans who were aiming to attend the match and share their disappointment this game now will not be played.

“The team will aim to return to Scotland at the earliest opportunity.”

The news comes after Scottish Rugby announced that they were suspending all matches and training within Scotland for an indefinite period of time.