PARIS (AP) – The match between France and Scotland for the Six Nations rugby tournament on Sunday will be postponed after an 11th French player tested positive for the coronavirus.
Scotland made no secret of their disappointment at being left without playing, while blaming France for the origins of an outbreak that could result in the tournament having to be extended – just like last year.
Health officials from the Six Nations recommended the postponement of the duel in Paris, after the French team was isolated after the most recent positive detected in tests taken on Wednesday.
The Six Nations Council must ratify the postponement.
The endorsement to play the match had been received on Wednesday, despite the fact that 10 French players – including captain Charles Ollivon and star scrumhalf Antoine Dupont – were among those who tested positive for COVID-19 in the last week. Coach Fabien Galthie tested positive after the win over Ireland in Dublin on 14 February.
France leads the Six Nations after away victories against Italy and Ireland.
On Wednesday, French sports daily L’Equipe reported that Galthie broke protocol by exiting the bubble prior to the game against Ireland. Galthie has denied any wrongdoing. L’Equipe also assured that some players went out to eat in Rome prior to the game against Italy the previous week.
The president of the French rugby federation, Bernard Laporte, said they do not know the origin of the outbreak.
–
