WALES TO WELCOME BACK FANS IN TIME FOR SIX NATIONS

WElSH RUGBY bosses are poised for a Six nations boost with crowds now set to be allowed for Wales’ home games against Scotland, France and Italy. Wales First Minister Mark Drakeford introduced strict Covid rules last year to limit the spread of the omicron variant, which included forcing sporting fixtures to be played behind closed doors. Sportsmail had revealed the WRU explored playing Wales’ home Six nations games in England, but this is now unlikely to be needed. It is understood Drakeford will confirm an easing of restrictions today — including fans returning from the start of next month. Wales travel to Ireland for their Six nations opener on February 5 before hosting Scotland at Principality Stadium the following Saturday. Meanwhile, newcastle Falcons director of rugby Dean Richards insists his England stars have no concerns after payments of close to £100,000 owed to them by the club were initially withheld. Falcons quartet Jamie Blamire, Trevor Davison, adam Radwan and Callum Chick were part of Eddie Jones’ squad last autumn. Payments to England players, including match fees and win bonuses, are handed out by the RFU to clubs and should then be passed on. But newcastle failed to include the money owed to their England contingent in the players’ December wage packets.

Richards said: ‘Sometimes things get blown out of proportion. The issue was a miscommunication which was resolved quickly. The players are happy.’ Players involved in England’s matchday squad receive a fee of close to £23,000. Blamire played in all three autumn Tests, Davison and Radwan both played one with Chick in Jones’ wider squad. newcastle face Biarritz in the European Challenge Cup tonight after English clubs were given the green light to go to France without quarantining on arrival.