France v Scotland match called off

Scotland have been training at the Oriam for the France match but the game has been called off. Picture: Craig Williamson / SNS

The Six Nations Testing Oversight Group recommended the postponement after a new Covid-19 positive test in the French squad.

France had to suspend training as a result.

Tournament chiefs gave a green light on Wednesday to the match going ahead as planned. But the game will now be rescheduled.

A Six Nations statement said: “The Six Nations Testing Oversight Group (TOG) met today to review the situation in the French Camp.

“They unanimously recommended the postponement of the France v Scotland match. This will be ratified later today by the Six Nations Council.

“We will be working on the rescheduling of this fixture and will communicate the date in due course.”

Scotland wanted the game to go ahead this Sunday because they fear they will be forced to do without several of their top players if the game is rescheduled for next weekend.

The weekend of March 6-7 falls outside the international window and English clubs would not be obliged to release their Scottish internationals.

Key Scotland players such as Stuart Hogg, Jonny Gray, James Lang and Chris Harris play in England.

France’s coronavirus outbreak initially forced 10 of their top stars into quarantine, including scrum-half and 2020 player of the championship Antoine Dupont and captain Charles Ollivon.

Les Bleus stand top the Six Nations table after two rounds following wins against Italy and Ireland, both away from home.

In addition to positive tests produced by players, head coach Galthie is among members of France’s management team in self-isolation.

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