Six Nations: France v Scotland in doubt because of positive coronavirus tests

 

Captain Charles Ollivon is one of 10 France players to have tested positive for coronavirus so far

A decision on whether Scotland's Six Nations match in Paris can go ahead is expected on Wednesday after no more coronavirus cases were found in the latest round of testing

The French Rugby Federation announced on Monday that five more players - including captain Charles Ollivon - had tested positive for Covid-19.

Ten France players are isolating and will be unavailable for Sunday's game.

Les Bleus are top of the Six Nations table after beating Italy and Ireland.

"Ensuring the health and safety of all players and staff is our number one priority," said a Six Nations statement.

"Should the decision be that the fixture cannot go ahead, the match will be rescheduled for the earliest possible date.

"Six Nations would like to wish all affected players, coaches, and support team a speedy recovery."

Scottish Rugby released a statement saying they could be without 10 players should the game be rearranged for another date.

The earliest possible date would appear to be next weekend, which is a rest week for the tournament and outside of World Rugby's designated international window.

Under World Rugby regulations, Scotland's players based in England and France will be released back to their clubs for domestic duty.

"Any postponement will have an impact on the player release agreement in place with clubs," said the statement.

"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."

Ollivon, Brice Dulin, Cyril Baille, Romain Taofifenua and Peato Mauvaka tested positive on Monday.

Mauvaka is the only one of the 10 players to have contracted the virus who did not feature in the matchday 23 for the round two win over Ireland.

The players and staff involved will return home to isolate and the rest of the side will return to training on Wednesday with testing taking place every 24 hours.

Star scrum-half Antoine Dupont, centre Arthur Vincent, hooker Julien Marchand, wing Gabin Villiere, and prop Mohamed Haouas are already isolating after returning positive tests last week.

Head coach Fabien Galthie and assistant William Servat also tested positive earlier this week and have been isolating.

Uncapped players Gaetan Barlot, Thierry Paiva and Cyril Cazeaux have been called up to the squad, along with Baptiste Pesenti and Thomas Ramos.

Scotland are fourth in the Six Nations table after winning their opening game against England before losing to Wales.