London, May 15 (IANS): World Rugby postponed all international matches scheduled to be held in July in the wake of coronavirus pandemic, it was announced on Friday.

"The programme of internationals scheduled within the July 2020 window has been postponed due to ongoing government and health agency COVID-19 directives," World Rugby said in a statement.

"All decision-making will be entirely contingent on national government travel, quarantine and health advice and important player welfare and hosting considerations in line with return-to-rugby guidance recently published by World Rugby," it added.

England were scheduled to play two-Test series in Japan which now stands suspended for the time being.

"While we are of course disappointed to have our two Test matches against Japan postponed, it's the correct decision under the current circumstances," England head coach Eddie Jones was quoted as saying by Sky Sports.

"I hope all Japanese and English rugby fans are keeping safe and well and we look forward to being back on a rugby pitch and back in Japan in the future."

The other international matches that have been hit due to July postponement are Wales' one-Test in Japan and two Tests in New Zealand, Scotland's tour of South Africa and New Zealand and also Ireland tour of Australia.