WALES head coach Wayne Pivac and Welsh Rugby Union executives are taking a 25 per cent pay cut because of the coronavirus outbreak.

The governing body is braced for a huge financial hit because of the pandemic that has stopped sporting action and events at Principality Stadium.

The WRU have reduced outgoings and reviewed ongoing projects to make cash savings and have now cut staff costs.

Pivac and chief executive Martyn Phillips are among those taking 25 per cent reductions in salary and other staff are taking pay cuts of either 25 per cent or 10 per cent depending on how their roles relate to professional rugby.

The Union are also implementing furlough leave in accordance with the government’s job retention scheme, which sees employees receive 80 per cent of their salary.

“I have been struck by the efforts and attitude of all WRU staff during this crisis,” said Phillips.

“As businesses across the country are faced with similar difficult decisions, adopting this new policy was made all the more challenging as everywhere you look everyone at the WRU has ‘rolled up their sleeves’ and adapted.

“However, we have taken these steps to aim to safeguard jobs and protect the medium and long term health of the game in Wales. We remain focussed on our goal to come out of the other side of this crisis.”

Phillips says that talks about player wages are ongoing.

“We are continuing our constructive dialogue with the Welsh Rugby Players Association (WRPA) and the regions,” he said.

“This includes an exchange of information with the WRPA, particularly around the complex financials involved, so that all parties can come to an informed decision. We are working as quickly as possible to bring this to a conclusion”

Operational staff at Principality Stadium have been offered the opportunity to continue in full-time work supporting NHS staff as the national ground is transformed into a fully-functional field hospital.

“The speed and efficiency with which our stadium is being transformed into a hospital is just one example of the hard work and dedication of our team,” added Phillips.

“I know there will be hardship to endure, but equally I know that all our staff have the very best interests of Welsh rugby and the wider community in Wales at heart and that we will get through these tough times together.”