Here's the morning headlines for Thursday, March 12
Government to consider new coronavirus measures which could hit sport
The government is expected to today announce a step up to its coronavirus response.
It is anticipated that could mean moves aimed at delaying its spread, rather than containing it. The government's emergency committee meets on Thursday.
It comes after the World Health Organization officially labelled the outbreak a pandemic and Donald Trump banned travel between the US and some European countries.
Delay is where "social distancing" measures will be considered - which could include restrictions on public gatherings above a certain number of people. While there is no suggestion of that happening yet it will raise questions over the Wales v Scotland Six Nations match this weekend.
Reports have already emerged suggesting that Premier League football is to be contested with no supporters present. Similar implications are expected for other sports including rugby.
Welsh rugby match called off over link to coronavirus
A Welsh rugby match has been called off as a precautionary measure because of coronavirus.
Aberbargoed had been due to face Newport Saracens away today (Wednesday, March 11) in the National League, but the game has now been put off to a later date.
A WRU spokesperson said permission has been granted to postpone the match as a precautionary measure over coronavirus.
WalesOnline understands a person linked to Aberbargoed has been linked with the virus.
Former England skipper: Joe Marler facing trial by social media
Former England captain Lewis Moody has urged rugby bosses to have "calm heads" and to avoid having a "trial by social media" as Joe Marler awaits his citing judgement.
If Marler is found guilty the low-entry point for the infringement is a 12-week ban.
But ex-back-rower Moody, capped 71 times by England, has stressed in an Instagram post "it is clear to see this was not an aggressive act to cause harm or an assault".
He added in a column for Planet Rugby: "It’s a shame that the game has been marred by all the faux outrage.
"It feels like this has been blown out of all proportion and people are forgetting the fact that these two have known each other as mates and opponents for something like 10 years or more.
"In 'Joe-land' he’d have found this really funny and his aim was to wind Jones up. Loads of cheap shots like this go on, from little tickles to forearms in rucks.
"There’s no malice, nothing sexual, just a bit of cheek from Joe and it appears that the armchair fans have somehow rallied to make this a much bigger deal than the players will find it."
