WAYNE Pivac says Wales’ World Cup stars feel refreshed thanks to their unforced break and would be ready to go if asked to play a hectic Test schedule.

The national team haven’t played since the loss to England at Twickenham at the start of March because of the coronavirus pandemic.

The summer tour to Japan and New Zealand is set to be scrapped, with the Brave Blossoms clash likely to be cancelled and the two Tests against the All Blacks rescheduled.

Wales also have the postponed Six Nations fixture against Scotland to play along with their usual autumn schedule, with Test rugby the financial driver for the sport.

If rugby gets the green light from the authorities to play behind closed doors then the World Cup semi-finalists could have a busy period.

South Wales Argus:

“Speaking to them now, if they had to play six or seven Test matches over eight to 10 weeks then they’d relish the opportunity,” said Pivac, whose team are supposed to face Fiji, Argentina, New Zealand and South Africa in Cardiff in the autumn.

“They just want to get back as everybody does to some sort of normality. The feedback is they are feeling great for having the break because they had pre-World Cup camps, the World Cup and came back into club and regional and international rugby.

“A lot of them have been feeling beaten up but are now feeling good physically and mentally.”

“Every nation will be in the same boat – it’s not that Wales would be singled out or have more games. It would be even across the board and the same preparation for all sides.

“That would be something new. From a coaching point of view, and talking to the players, they just want to get back as everybody does to some sort of normality. As soon as they’re allowed to train they will.”

When Wales do return to action then it’s unlikely to be at Principality Stadium, which is currently a field hospital, and it could be without fans in the stands.

South Wales Argus:

"It is mind-blowing to think a number of weeks ago we were training at the Principality Stadium and our base in the Vale of Glamorgan and now they are both hospitals," said Pivac.

"It is a reality check and puts sports into perspective and rams home the enormity of what we are dealing with. These are unique times and it is amazing to see what has happened.

"Playing behind closed doors is interesting. Home advantage will be affected especially when you factor in 75,000 people gives you a few points and it becomes a bit of a fortress.

“Take the crowd out and it become more a neutral venue, a different environment. If the hospital is still there and we are back playing behind closed doors, we could be at another venue.

"You still have the game on television and it is a spectacle for people to view. We have contracts we need to see through so it is a starting point for rugby.

"Without crowds, ticket prices and hospitality it hurts financially but it could be staged first of all behind closed doors before going back to full crowds."

Pivac hopes that Test rugby, even if it's just on television, can provide a lift to the public.

"It will be massive when we return because sport plays a huge part in our lives," said Pivac.

"We can help put a smile on people's faces. It will be a special day when we do get back, I can assure you of that."