Select Edition

Select Edition

Northern
Southern
Global
NZ
France

WRU: 'All forms of rugby' suspended

By Ian Cameron
The CEO of the WRU has decided not to step down.

The Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) have taken the decision to suspend all rugby in Wales amid the global spread of the coronavirus.

The WRU has suspended the community game in Wales from Saturday evening until March 30.

A statement reads:

"The WRU, having considered expert medical advice has taken the precautionary measure of suspending all forms of rugby, including training and rugby-related courses, from 6pm on Saturday 14 March up to and including Monday 30 March 2020.

"The WRU has taken this decision in the interests of players, supporters, volunteers, referees, stakeholders and Welsh communities in general.

"The WRU will continue to assess this fast-moving situation and provide further updates in due course."

The IRFU took the same decision two days ago.

The Irish Rugby Football Union, together with Connacht, Leinster, Munster and Ulster Rugby, have announced the suspension of all Domestic Rugby activity from 6pm this evening 12th March until the 29th March (inclusive), in response to the latest Government advice on the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

The coronavirus outbreak has decimated the sporting schedule and left major doubts over some of 2020's biggest events, with all major rugby tournaments worldwide now suspended.

SANZAAR made the decision to suspend the 2020 Super Rugby tournament at the conclusion of this weekend’s matches for the foreseeable future.

The Six Nations game between Wales and Scotland in Cardiff on Saturday was postponed on Friday, joining the games between France and Ireland and Italy against England.

The Guinness PRO14 was suspended indefinitely.

Sunday's Premiership Rugby Cup final between Sale and Harlequins was originally given the go-ahead on Friday, only to be postponed following an individual on staff developing symptoms consistent with coronavirus.

additional reporting Press Association

WATCH: Leon MacDonald joins the Breakdown to give an inside look at the Blues camp in 2020. This and all the big rugby news on your latest episode of the Breakdown.