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Summer Rugby Unlikely - Davies

29/04/2020

Welsh Rugby Union chairman Gareth Davies believes it is unlikely there will be summer rugby played because of the coronavirus crisis.

Wales are due to tour Japan and New Zealand in June and July but its set to be postponed, whilst Pro14 and European Rugby tournament organisers are hopeful of restarting the season, but Davies has his doubts.

"It is becoming increasingly more likely that rugby over this summer will not take place," he said.

The Pro14 is suspended indefinitely while France has banned all sporting events, including behind closed doors, until September.

This affects the Champions and Challenge Cup which had reached the quarter-finals stages, with European Professional Club Rugby (EPCR) still hoping to finish the tournaments.

Outgoing Glasgow coach Dave Rennie who is departing to become Wallabies head coach has said it would be "hard" not to award Leinster the Pro14 title amid fears about trying to extend the June season.

"There is a lot of merit in what Dave is saying from a pragmatic end, because it does look unlikely we will be playing rugby soon," said Davies.

"If you are looking at social distancing there is probably not a game that is less social distancing than rugby when you consider the scrums and contact.

"The Pro14 are hoping to start back and EPCR also with the European competitions but France have almost already blocked that with the sense of no sport there until 1 September.

"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.

"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.

"It is tough with no income coming in and a lot of costs are still there,

"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."

Private equity prospects

Negotiations betweeen Pro14 and seperately Six Nations with CVC Capital Partners is ongoing. The firm bought a stake in the Premiership in December 2018, a deal reportedly worth more than £200m for a 27% stake.

"CVC have come on the scene over the last couple of years and their intent is clear in wanting to play a big part in the sport," said Davies.

"Because of current circumstances things have been put on the backburner but I understand progress is still being made on the Pro14, probably a bit sooner than Six Nations.

"They like everybody else though will be reassessing where they are and decisions they will make.

"We hope they do stay in there for the longer-term fight because we will get out of this at some point and need our partners and stakeholders pulling together."

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