WRU backtracks as Wales v Scotland game called off due to coronavirus

Wales’ Six Nations rugby clash with Scotland in Cardiff tomorrow (Saturday, March 14) has been called off by the Welsh Rugby Union due to concerns over the spread of coronavirus.

The WRU had earlier stated the game would go ahead.

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

Currently, there are 38 confirmed cases of the COVID-19 outbreak in Wales – four of which are in Caerphilly County Borough.

The current number of confirmed cases across the UK stands at 798.

Posting on Twitter, first minister Mark Drakeford said: “The medical and scientific advice about mass events hasn’t changed but we understand why the Welsh Rugby Union board has decided to postpone tomorrow’s match.”

The UK’s chief scientific adviser, Sir Patrick Vallance, said: “I think it’s more likely that there will be transmission in pubs and other areas where people are aggregating watching it, than in the actual stadium itself.”

Meanwhile, Plaid Cymru leader Adam Price welcomed the decision to postpone the game and said: “I completely understand the importance of Welsh rugby to our nation however health and wellbeing must come before everything else.”