Wales vs Scotland Six Nations game to go ahead despite coronavirus outbreak

Final-round match in Cardiff will go ahead as planned, confirms the Welsh Rugby Union

Saturday’s Six Nations match between Wales and Scotland will go ahead as planned, with doors open to fans despite growing fears over the coronavirus outbreak.

The fixture is the only one that will go ahead on the final day of the championship, with both Italy vs England and France vs Ireland already postponed over coronavirus fears.

Up to 74,500 fans will turn out for Wales’s final match of the Six Nations, and after Prime Minister Boris Johnson confirmed on Thursday that sporting events in Britain will not be cancelled, the Welsh Rugby Union issued a statement to confirm that the game will go ahead as planned.

A WRU statement read: “The Welsh Rugby Union has confirmed tomorrow’s (Saturday) Guinness Six Nations clash with Scotland at Principality Stadium will go ahead as planned.

“WRU representatives have been in dialogue with Welsh Assembly Government minister for Health and Social Services Vaughan Gething, who provided much needed clarity on the Cobra meeting held yesterday.

“Throughout the WRU Board have followed the scientific advice of government, Public Health Wales and medical experts and determined that any game would be held or postponed based on that advice.

“Enhanced facilities for hand washing and sanitisation will be available at the stadium and there are measures in place to manage any issues with attendees on the day. In addition supporters are urged to follow the advice that is widely available on government websites in relation to the virus.”

Six Nations officials are already required to reschedule three matches later this year, with Italy’s games against Ireland and England both needing to be played as well as the final-round fixture between the Irish and France.