There is now increased uncertainty over whether the London 7s due to be held in May will still go ahead as there are now reports out of the UK that mass gatherings could be banned from as early as next weekend amid the outbreak of COVID-19.
The tournament will be held at the 82,000 capacity Twickenham Stadium from 23rd to 24th May.
A government source has told the BBC ministers are drawing up plans for the move - to ease pressure on emergency services.
Scores of major sporting and cultural events have already been cancelled across the UK in response to the pandemic.
In total, 11 people have died with the virus in the UK, while the number of confirmed cases rose to 798 on Friday.
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