France return no positives in latest coronavirus testing ahead of Scotland clash
An outbreak amongst the tournament favourites’ squad has produced 10 Covid-19 cases, including star scrum-half and 2020 Player of the Championship Antoine Dupont and captain Charles Ollivon.
Six Nations organisers are to decide on Wednesday if the Stade de France showdown can go ahead, but the results of Monday night’s testing points to an easing of the crisis.
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Flanker Ollivon, prop Cyril Baille, hooker Peato Mauvaka, lock Romain Taofifenua and full-back Brice Dulin were the five new cases uncovered to place the visit of Scotland to Paris in doubt.
They joined Dupont, hooker Julien Marchand, prop Mohammed Haouas, centre Arthur Vincent and winger Gabin Villiere, who had all previously tested positive for the virus.
It meant that nine of the 23-man squad that sent Ireland spinning to a 15-13 defeat had tested positive.
After the victory in Dublin, the French Rugby Federation released footage on social media of the team celebrating in the changing room.
In addition to the positive tests produced by players, head coach Fabien Galthie is one of several members of France’s management team to be self-isolating.
Scotland want the game to go ahead this Sunday because they fear that postponing it until the weekend of March 6-7 could lead to problems around player release.