Six Nations 2021: France vs Scotland in doubt as French squad is hit by further Covid cases

French team has won both of their outings at the competition so far

Phil Blanche
Monday 22 February 2021 12:25 GMT
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France captain Charles Ollivon is one of numerous new coronavirus cases in the squad
France captain Charles Ollivon is one of numerous new coronavirus cases in the squad

France captain Charles Ollivon is among five new players in the squad to miss this weekend’s Six Nations clash with Scotland after testing positive for Covid-19.

The French Rugby Federation (FFR) also revealed that two members of the management team are believed to have contracted the virus ahead of this Sunday’s match in Paris.

Head coach Fabien Galthie and scrum-half Antoine Dupont were already isolating following an outbreak in the French squad.

An FFR statement read: “Following RT-PCR tests carried out on Sunday February 21, five new players tested positive for Covid-19, leading to the selection of five new players to prepare for the match against Scotland.

SIX NATIONS: All 2021 fixtures by date and kick-off time

“Cyril Baille (25 selections, Stade Toulousain), Peato Mauvaka (6 selections, Stade Toulousain), Romain Taofifenua (22 selections, RC Toulon), Charles Ollivon (20 selections, RC Toulon) and Brice Dulin (33 caps, Stade Rochelais) have tested positive for COVID-19.

“Two members of the management are considered to be a suspicious case. With a view to isolation, the return home of the players and members of the management concerned is underway.

“The return to collective training is set for Wednesday February 24, subject to the results of tests carried out every 24 hours.”

Gaetan Balot, Thierry Paiva, Cyril Cazeaux, Baptiste Pesenti and Thomas Ramos have been called into a new-look 31-man France squad.

The FFR confirmed on Sunday that centre Arthur Vincent and hooker Julien Marchand had tested positive for coronavirus, joining Dupont, Gabin Villiere and Mohamed Haouas in isolation.

Galthie and his assistant William Servat tested positive earlier this week and have been isolating.

France are top of the championship after two rounds of fixtures, having opened their campaign with wins against Italy and Ireland.

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PA

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