France players and staff all test negative for coronavirus ahead of decision over Scotland match

The French squad has been hit with an outbreak

France players celebrate scoring a try (REUTERS)

The French Rugby Federation have confirmed there have been no further positive Covid-19 tests among its playing squad or backroom staff as they continue preparations for this weekend’s Six Nations game against Scotland in Paris.

Five more players were found to be positive in tests conducted on Sunday, bringing the total to 10, while several members of staff, including coach Fabien Galthie, returned positive tests last week.

The players that tested positive have all been replaced in the 31-man squad.

Six Nations officials said over the weekend they were confident the game in Paris would go ahead.

But organisers said on Monday their Testing Oversight Group reviewed the situation and would reconvene on Wednesday.

Scotland warned Monday that a delay could affect the availability of its own players. 

“Any postponement will have an impact on the player release agreement in place with clubs, which could see more than 10 Scotland players unavailable for selection if the game is rearranged,” the Scottish Rugby Union posted on Twitter. 

“We will be working closely with our Six Nations counterparts to press the case for this week’s game to go ahead, should it be medically safe to do so.”

France lead the standings with two wins from two games, ahead of Wales on points difference, as they seek to lift the Six Nations title for the first time since 2010.

Reuters

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