France's game against Scotland had been in doubt due to 10 positive coronavirus tests among playing squad but organisers say it will now go ahead; France registered no new positive tests in testing on Monday and Tuesday; Scotland had warned a postponement could affect player availability
Wednesday 24 February 2021 15:03, UK
Scotland's Six Nations match against France in Paris on Sunday has been given the green light to go ahead despite 13 positive coronavirus tests in the French camp.
The Stade de France showdown had been thrown into major doubt after 10 players and three members of staff, including head coach Fabien Galthie, had tested positive for Covid-19.
But after no positive cases were returned from testing on Monday and Tuesday, France have now been given the go-ahead to host Gregor Townsend's squad.
The Six Nations said in a statement: "Further to a meeting of the Six Nations Testing Oversight Group (TOG) this morning to review the latest tests results of the French Squad, the Six Nations confirm the plans to stage the France v Scotland match as originally scheduled this coming Sunday.
"We continue to monitor the situation very closely and are in regular contact with both unions."
France have begun their Six Nations campaign with wins against Italy and Ireland on the road while Scotland, who opened with victory against England before a narrow defeat by Wales, have not won in Paris since 1999.
Cyril Baille, Peato Mauvaka, Romain Taofifenua, Charles Ollivon and Brice Dulin returned positive tests on Sunday, while Arthur Vincent, Julien Marchand, Gabin Villiere, Mohamed Haouas and Antoine Dupont tested positive last week, along with coach Fabien Galthie and three other staff members.
French Government rules issued last week state that anyone testing positive must self-isolate for 10 days.
The players who tested positive have been replaced in the 31-man squad which is due to return to training on Wednesday, the FFR said.
Due to an availability conflict with their clubs, France fielded a virtual third team in last year's Autumn Nations Cup final against England and came within seconds of victory before losing to a sudden-death penalty in extra-time.
