French Rugby president to explain Six Nations Covid outbreak to government

Fixture with Scotland has been rearranged as a result of coronavirus cases in Les Bleus’ squad

French Rugby Federation president Bernard Laporte (AFP via Getty Images)

French Rugby Federation president Bernard Laporte will appear before the French government on Friday to explain the Covid-19 outbreak that has threatened France’s involvement in the Six Nations.

Laporte must present the findings of an internal investigation into why 12 players and four backroom staff, including head coach Fabien Galthie, tested positive for the disease.

Laporte will face education minister Jean-Michel Blanquer and sports minister Roxana Maracineanu, who has threatened to withdraw Les Bleus from the Six Nations due to the outbreak.

READ MORE: Full Six Nations 2021 fixture schedule

It has emerged that Galthie left France’s bubble on the opening weekend to watch his son play rugby, while members of the squad also went out to eat waffles when in Rome to play Italy.

An investigation cleared the head coach of any wrongdoing, however.

France’s round three fixture against Scotland had to be postponed because of the escalating number of cases and is set to be rearranged for 26 March.

As the tournament favourites’ next opponents at Twickenham on Saturday week, England will be closely monitoring the outcome of Laporte’s meeting with the government.

PA