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Davies says the Test in Japan on 27 June and two international matches against New Zealand on 4 and 11 of July should be postponed.

“You hear the noise coming from Japan at the moment where they are even doubting the election next year, so for us to have a Test there at the end of this year looks less likely,” said Davies.

“It is New Zealand’s call to consider the July Tests.

“The news there is positive in terms of the pandemic but would mean Welsh lads flying in from the other side of the world. That would look unlikely as well but we wait to hear from our Kiwi friends.”

Contingency plans like Wales going back to New Zealand in October or a Six Nations-style tournament in the autumn are still being discussed.

“Quite understandably there is no clarity because it is not just within our remit to plan the rest of the year,” said Davies.

“We are planning certain scenarios assuming certain building blocks are in place by government and health authorities.

“It is a strange and unique period. Normally you make decisions based on facts but in this instance we have very little control in terms of timescales.”

Davies is adamant rugby in the autumn is essential for the financial future of the WRU, with half of the group’s income (£44.5m out of £90m) coming from staging international matches.

“It is tough with no income coming in and a lot of costs are still there,” said Davies.

“The real challenge would be if the autumn Tests do not take place, that is going to be a huge challenge financially but we are working on all scenarios.

“A lot of the figures were quite stark if the worst-case scenario arrives. We have to be sensible and to plan for all eventualities and that is what the executive team and the board are currently doing.”



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