France now without 10 players for Scotland as more positive tests confirmed

Captain Charles Ollivon is among five new France players who will miss the Guinness Six Nations match against Scotland after testing positive for Covid-19.

The French Rugby Federation has also confirmed that two members of the management team are suspected cases ahead of the Paris game on Sunday.

Head coach Fabien Galthie and star scrum-half Antoine Dupont were already among those in isolation following the coronavirus outbreak in the France camp.

A FFR statement said: “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.

“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.

? Communiqué suite à l'évolution de la situation sanitaire du #XVdeFrance ?

— France Rugby (@FranceRugby) February 22, 2021

“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 FRF revealed 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.

Premium feature exclusive to TheXV.Rugby - Free Trial Chalk and cheese It's been over a year since NZ and Australian Super Rugby sides clashed. What should we expect on Friday? Ben Wylie One giant leap Justin Marshall picks out his biggest movers and shakers from Super Rugby Aotearoa. Justin Marshall A closer shave Scott Robertson has led the Crusaders to a fifth title but has that enhanced his All Blacks chances? Gregor Paul Dynamic duo The Crusaders had one All Blacks midfield combo before the season started. They've unearthed another. Tom Vinicombe Homegrown hit The Crusaders have built a dynasty on nurturing young talent, not buying superstars. Gregor Paul

Trending on RugbyPass

• 1 'I like their kit, like where they play, like the place they are from......
• 2 Why France-bound Ngani Laumape felt 'underwhelmed' by New Zealand Rugby's 'lowball' contract offer
• 3 Picking an All Blacks squad at the end of the Super Rugby Aotearoa season
• 4 'I don't see that happening' - Jean de Villiers picks his Springboks midfield to...

More News

Recommended

• 'He sets the example for all of us' - Daly's high praise for under-fire England team-mate
• Andy Farrell resists calls for fresh faces as Ireland name 36-man squad to play Italy
• 'He absolutely threw me around like a rag doll' - The time Ryan Wilson accidentally 'cheap shotted' Jerry Collins

More News