Wales star Josh Navidi is calling for people to back local businesses after his own family gym was forced to close for the first time in a quarter of a century due to the coronavirus outbreak.
The Cardiff Blues flanker posted on Twitter on Saturday to announce that their family gym, which his father Hedy has run since 1995, would be closed due to Boris Johnson's announcement on Friday evening that all the UK's nightclubs, theatres, cinemas, gyms and leisure centres must close "as soon as they reasonably can".
As well as announcing in the post that Physique Health and Fitness, based in Brackla, Bridgend, would be closed, he also called on people to support family-run businesses that are still able to remain open.
"It was a sad day yesterday, for the first time since 1995 we've had to close our doors at our family gym due to government guidelines," said Navidi.
"Please help and support local businesses that are still able to trade from butchers, greengrocers, restaurants and cafes that are still doing takeaways as a lot of families will depend on it.
"Pulling together is the only way we will all come out the other end.
"Stay safe everyone."
The 24-cap international has previously spoken about his involvement in the gym, telling WalesOnline back in 2017 about the work he does there.
“We have got a gym in Bridgend - Physique Health and Fitness Centre - which my dad has had since 1995," he said.
"I worked there full and part-time from the age of 16. I did run it a bit last year but it got a bit too much, so my dad has taken back over.
"I am doing a bit of personal training, which is quite nice because I want to work with people to make sure they get their technique right and don’t get injuries."
