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Investec Champions CupLeinster

Further positive tests at Leinster and Montpellier ahead of Friday

(Photo by Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile via Getty Images)

Friday’s Montpellier versus Leinster Heineken Champions Cup clash in France has been affected by yet more players testing positive for Covid-19. Leinster had been forced into a late reshuffle prior to last Saturday’s opening round win over Bath due to an outbreak in their ranks that affected three senior players and a staff member, an issue that has now spread, while Montpellier have now reported they are having their own issues with the virus having returned to France following their loss to Exeter. 

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So concerned were Leinster that they cancelled training on Monday and their squad now faced daily testing to ensure everything is safe for the players that do travel for Friday’s round two encounter.   

A  statement read: “Leinster returned to training today [Tuesday] at UCD following yesterday’s postponement and a full round of antigen and PCR tests which were carried out on site. Leinster can confirm that the club is assisting an additional number of senior players who have tested positive for Covid-19 and are now self-isolating.

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We speak to the man behind the French rugby revival…

France assistant coach Shaun Edwards joins us to discuss where the recent win over the All Blacks ranks in the list of special days he’s had as a coach, what it’s like working with Fabien Galthie, the need to win something, overcoming the language barrier, Gael Fickou’s role as defensive captain, Antoine Dupont’s freakish ability, the recent law changes and eligibility ruling and much more. Plus, we look ahead to the start of the Champions Cup this weekend and we pick our MEATER Moment of the Week…
Use the code FRENCHPOD10 at checkout for 10% off any full price item at Meater.com

Video Spacer

We speak to the man behind the French rugby revival…

France assistant coach Shaun Edwards joins us to discuss where the recent win over the All Blacks ranks in the list of special days he’s had as a coach, what it’s like working with Fabien Galthie, the need to win something, overcoming the language barrier, Gael Fickou’s role as defensive captain, Antoine Dupont’s freakish ability, the recent law changes and eligibility ruling and much more. Plus, we look ahead to the start of the Champions Cup this weekend and we pick our MEATER Moment of the Week…
Use the code FRENCHPOD10 at checkout for 10% off any full price item at Meater.com

“The latest cases follow the antigen and PCR testing which were carried out at Leinster Rugby on all players, coaches and staff. The HSE has been informed in accordance with public health guidelines, as has EPCR.

“The remaining members of the Leinster squad will train today in UCD and will continue to test daily and take all necessary precautions ahead of Friday’s Heineken Champions Cup game against Montpellier in France.”

Earlier, Montpellier had published an update regarding their own situation ahead of their duel with Leinster. “Following the series of tests carried out on Monday, Montpellier has a new positive case of Covid-19 within the group. This is the fifth case of contamination detected over a period of seven days in the Herault workforce, which considerably impacts the preparation for the match against Leinster.

“In view of the latest results, the people concerned have been isolated and the team is now carrying out training in separate groups before being tested again this Wednesday. The club remains mobilised by continuing to apply a strict and rigorous health policy in order to preserve the health of its players and staff.”

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Comments on RugbyPass

C
Cantab 9 hours ago
Teenager Braxton Sorensen-McGee reflects on dream Black Ferns debut

Although NZ won comfortably enough they weren’t always convincing and a better opposition may well have found them out. If our gun 7s players can translate their skills to the 15s game the team would have the ability to beat anyone. Need to be given the chance though.

4 Go to comments
J
James 9 hours ago
'Whisper it, but the Wallabies could out-scrum the British and Irish Lions this summer'

And how do you see the Wallabies loosehead / Lion’s tighthead battle Nick?

37 Go to comments
d
dw 9 hours ago
'Whisper it, but the Wallabies could out-scrum the British and Irish Lions this summer'

Also interested in your thoughts on A Bell. Haven't noticed many scrum issues recently. He also seems to play 60 or so mins every game. A bit of a fan (even though he’s a tah..) but wondered if the Lions would target his scrummaging

37 Go to comments
d
dw 9 hours ago
'Whisper it, but the Wallabies could out-scrum the British and Irish Lions this summer'

True. And you look at how the European coaches have got so much out of skelton and how much the local fans love him…and then some Oz fans will still say “he played poorly for the tahs I'm 2015!”

37 Go to comments
d
dw 9 hours ago
'Whisper it, but the Wallabies could out-scrum the British and Irish Lions this summer'

Thanks Nick but your headline has just jinxed us and reminded me of that night in 2013!

I love any analysis of the scrums such as the above. Cheers.


Allalatoa seems to be in good form and Nongorr appears to be able to hold his own? I think they will pick Tupou regardless of form. After Friday night I am concerned he could be sent off in the first five mins of the test though! He got too pumped up and hit a player high and was carded

37 Go to comments
R
RedWarriors 9 hours ago
'Most complacent selection decision you will ever see': Barrett benching slammed as Leinster knocked out

I watched the mainstream NZ pundits eg Mils Muliaina and they DID back NZ to win almost to a man.

Ireland will talk their team up as anyone would with the caveats we are playing the ABs and match was de facto 50:50, That is not the same as dismissing the opposition. EG After the quarter John Kirwan said he was sorry France didn’t win versus SA becuase a ‘France-NZ final would be perfect. (The semis had not even been played yet, England and Argentina completely dismissed! He didn’t even realize his own arrogance) NZ are not even aware of the arrogance they exude. Has no Kiwi politely asked the national team to take down the ‘Superstars and Humble Heroes’ boasting on the AB site? Its cringeworthy stuff. Do NZ really see themselves like this?

Note all this BS about Irish arrogance started just after NZs defeat in the 2022 series. Not a coincidence.

Also: this is Irish national TV. We will talk our team up as everyone does. We care too much about judgemental and thin skinned Kiwis getting offended.

91 Go to comments
J
JM 9 hours ago
'Whisper it, but the Wallabies could out-scrum the British and Irish Lions this summer'

Aussie rugby fans are obsessed with players they hate, for whatever reason.

Michael Hooper is another one, and the hatred only increased whenever he won John Eales medals or the two times he was nominated world player of the year.

I reckon it is because our forwards are technically and mentally weak they put it all on one player who they think should make way for the messiah.

Same for the general team performance and the hate put on players like White, Lolesio, and Foley who should be pulling rabbits out of the hat every play.

I reckon, if we had of had 5 players with Hooper’s desire and drive spread across the team (and especiallythe forwards), we wouldn’t have woken up in the bottom of the ditch.

37 Go to comments
R
RedWarriors 10 hours ago
'What he’s given to this club is nothing short of incredible'

He shouldn’t have been picked. Not physically able for the most intense matches notably in Twickenham last year. Giving him the captaincy was also a very short sighted decision then after RWC 2023. Ireland have a tendency to be a little too loyal, which can mean the team ages and the rebuild is bigger than should be.

Plenty of lads out there to fill that squad.

4 Go to comments
O
OJohn 10 hours ago
Geoff Parling returns to Leicester as head coach

Hooray

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C
Carlos 10 hours ago
'Whisper it, but the Wallabies could out-scrum the British and Irish Lions this summer'

He was also a YC magnet.

37 Go to comments
C
Carlos 10 hours ago
'Whisper it, but the Wallabies could out-scrum the British and Irish Lions this summer'

Windsor-Faulkner-Price. 😊

37 Go to comments
S
Solenn Bonnet 10 hours ago
Leinster cleanse palette with record URC scoreline against Zebre

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M
Mzilikazi 11 hours ago
'Whisper it, but the Wallabies could out-scrum the British and Irish Lions this summer'

Ah, the Pooler front row ! Most legendary in the history of the , I would think. Max Boyce helped…”Here we. here we, here we go, with the Pontypool front row.”

37 Go to comments
M
Mzilikazi 11 hours ago
'Whisper it, but the Wallabies could out-scrum the British and Irish Lions this summer'

Would not go as far as whole house in our family, but for me, yes, W1. Loved playing in the scrum, love watching now😀

37 Go to comments
M
Mzilikazi 11 hours ago
'Whisper it, but the Wallabies could out-scrum the British and Irish Lions this summer'

Yes, I see that article here on RP, Nick. That is good news that Schmidt is going to look at the o’seas players.


Yes, I would think you are right that LAR will qualify. On the same points as MP, but surely they are too good not to win this crunch game….could be tEnse for ROG in the stands though.

37 Go to comments
B
BC 11 hours ago
Who would make it into a Women's British and Irish Lions starting XV?

I would pick Oifa Wafer at 6, put Aldcroft in the second row with Ward. I think Wafer is one of the few non-England players mentioned that would contend for a Red Rose shirt, the others being King and possibly Neve Jones. Conversely there are two English players mentioned, Sing and Venner, that probably won’t even make the Red Rose WC squad, let alone a Lions Tour. Still a lot can change in two years, watch out for Millie David.

1 Go to comments
O
Otagoman II 11 hours ago
'Whisper it, but the Wallabies could out-scrum the British and Irish Lions this summer'

Great article NB, thanks. I would like to know what is the reasoning why so many things are penalties in the scrum. Is it to do with safety or something else?

37 Go to comments
N
NB 11 hours ago
'Whisper it, but the Wallabies could out-scrum the British and Irish Lions this summer'

👍

37 Go to comments
N
NB 11 hours ago
'Whisper it, but the Wallabies could out-scrum the British and Irish Lions this summer'

Always the same at the other place. Some of those perceptions of him at the Tahs - lazy, overweight and slow - were impossible to shift!

37 Go to comments
N
NB 11 hours ago
'Whisper it, but the Wallabies could out-scrum the British and Irish Lions this summer'

Hang on to Miz Carlos!

37 Go to comments
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LONG READ 'Whisper it, but the Wallabies could out-scrum the British and Irish Lions this summer' 'Whisper it, but the Wallabies could out-scrum the British and Irish Lions this summer'
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