'I think we shouldn't be alarmed': French rugby boss Laporte confident Six Nations will go ahead as scheduled

French rugby federation president Bernard Laporte remains optimistic that the Six Nations will go ahead as scheduled despite the COVID-19 crisis.

“It’s a puzzle, but I think we shouldn’t be alarmed about the Six Nations tournament,” Laporte told French radio RMC on Sunday.

“The tournament will be played with a health protocol decided by the government.

Josh Beaumont | All Access

“Everything went well in the autumn (for the Autumn Nations Cup), it will be the same for the upcoming Six Nations tournament, I’m not that worried.”

On Saturday, the French sports ministry recommended that European rugby union games against British clubs be postponed amid the COVID-19 crisis in a blow to the Champions and Challenge Cups.

A number of nations have recently closed their borders to Britain and South Africa after fast-spreading variants of the novel coronavirus were identified in those two countries.

Laporte confirmed that meetings would take place early next week to discuss the Six Nations, which is due to start on February 6

Premium feature exclusive to TheXV.Rugby - Free Trial Stand-off supreme Ian Foster’s biggest challenge in 2021 may be getting the best out of Beauden Barrett and Richie Mo’unga. Patrick McKendry Fullback gambit The All Blacks' dual-playmaker strategy requires a demanding skillset from NZ fullbacks. Tom Vinicombe Charmed life All Blacks captains have seemingly been subject to different rules because of their reputation. Gregor Paul Annus mirabilis He started the year a hopeful sevens player but Caleb Clarke ended 2020 as a global superstar. Tom Vinicombe Tough at the top The pressure and expectation that comes with the All Blacks captaincy has been too hard for some players to handle. Gregor Paul

Trending on RugbyPass

• 1 'It's f***in' bleak... Saracens will get a shock': Gary Graham on what life will...
• 2 Saracens confirm new head and defence coaches in wake of Sanderson's exit
• 3 Billy Vunipola the only England international picked by Saracens to face Ealing
• 4 How the Blues won a three-way tug-of-war to secure one of New Zealand's brightest...

More News

Recommended

• Paddy Jackson denies Harlequins at the death
• 'He is getting there... However, he will be the first to say there is a still lot more to come from him'
• 'I grew up in a house with no internet. I didn't really know a whole lot about rugby'

More News