ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

French squad goes into self-isolation as head coach Galthié among two positive COVID cases

BY Stephen Brunsdon  ·  Tuesday Feb 16, 2021

The entire French national squad has been placed in isolation this week following two positive tests within the coaching set-up, including head coach Fabien Galthié.

ADVERTISEMENT

In a team statement released by the French federation on Tuesday, a staff member tested positive following France’s 15-13 victory in Dublin, while Galthié’s positive case was confirmed following a second PCR test.

The test results should not ordinarily affect the team’s preparations for their third round clash against Scotland in Paris given the weekend off, but could well have caused a postponement or cancellation had there been a match this weekend.

A further PCR test will be conducted for the squad – including staff members – tomorrow morning, with the list of 31 players selected to prepare the Scotland match unveiled later on Wednesday.

Galthié, who was reportedly asymptomatic, returned an unproven test on Monday, and was retested this morning.

The French Rugby Federation said: “this diagnosis was established after a test this morning, verifying the PCR test carried out the day before.

“Following [Monday’s] test, the France group tested negative, with the exception of two members of the staff, including Fabien Galthié.”

The full statement from the FFR stated: “Following the PCR tests carried out last night (Monday) in Marcoussis with the XV of France, all the players tested negative, a member of the technical staff tested positive, as well as a suspicious and unproven case concerning Fabien Galthie who will be tested again this morning (Tuesday).

“In accordance with health protocol, all team members and management were isolated this morning. Interactions are kept to a minimum.

“An additional test at the National Rugby Centre will be carried out on Wednesday morning for the entire selection. Tests will be carried out at home on Friday, as well as on Sunday evening at the National Rugby Centre. The announcement of the 31 players for the Scotland game will come this Wednesday evening, February 17.”

ADVERTISEMENT

The staff member will leave the tight COVID bubble, which has been in place since the 24th January, and the players will be tested again this Friday at home, while they benefit from their planned rest days over the weekend, with another test planned for Sunday evening at the Centre National de Rugby at Marcoussis.

Related Articles

  • 75 WEEKS AGO

    France announce star studded Rugby World...

  • 87 WEEKS AGO

    Unbelievable Scenes In San Sebastian Confirm...

  • 89 WEEKS AGO

    England vs France Guinness Six Nations Preview...



ADVERTISEMENT

Great Tries

  • 2 WEEKS AGO

    Fans in awe as Joyce finishes ‘impossible’ solo try

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    WATCH: Outlandish Jacob Stockdale finish is truly world class

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Ulster denied THE GREATEST URC try you will ever see!

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Capuozzo break sets Dupont up for hatrick on return

  • 7 WEEKS AGO

    Fans praise 'Dom Perignon Rugby' as Irish players prepare for final match of South African tour

View All

Big Hits & Dirty Play

  • 17 HOURS AGO

    Wallabies wunderkind Sua'ali' and Scotland captain Tuipulotu clash

  • 1 WEEK AGO

    Ireland 'steal' Argentina's opening try as debate rages

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    WATCH: The biggest hit from week one of the Autumn Nations Series

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    'Cheap shot' from Leicester Tigers vs Northampton Saints causing a stir online

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    Wild moment leads to all in brawl during Welsh derby between Cardiff and Scarlets

View All

See It To Believe It

  • 2 WEEKS AGO

    Fans in awe as Joyce finishes ‘impossible’ solo try

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Insane moment as french backrow waves off medic and smokes Ange Capuozzo

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible drop goal helps break 25-match losing streak

  • 7 WEEKS AGO

    Leinster fly half delivers insane 50:22 after being given start for Emerging Ireland

  • 7 WEEKS AGO

    French scrumhalf drills perfect shot at goal under outrageous circumstances

View All

Funnies

  • 2 WEEKS AGO

    “Put that in the book” - Rieko Ioane’s explosive post reignites feud with Sexton

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    Mischievous Marcus Smith spotted engaging in the dark arts during All Blacks match

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Jonny Sexton: 'Fondest memory of the Heineken Cup in 2011?' - 'Gordon D'Arcy's bar' and 'Coppers'

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    Watch: Mike Haley's post match interaction with RG Snyman leaves no doubt about where Munster players stand

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    The rugby guy and Mack Hansen drop an all time BANGER with latest video

View All

Amateur

  • 98 WEEKS AGO

    You Won’t See Many Better Than This Silky-Smooth Try From Llandovery RFC

  • 98 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Scenes As Caldy RFC Hand Ealing First Championship Defeat Of The Season

  • 121 WEEKS AGO

    Dubious Score Decides Result Of Rugby's Biggest Schools Fixture

  • 121 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Scenes At School Boys Rugby Match

  • 121 WEEKS AGO

    The Next Dominant Backrow?

View All

Player Features

  • 3 DAYS AGO

    'Eligible for England' - Fans react to South African star's contract announcement

  • 6 DAYS AGO

    The 19-year-old named the 'future' of English rugby after win against Australia A

  • 2 WEEKS AGO

    Anthony Watson exclusive: 'I wouldn't be surprised if England win'

  • 2 WEEKS AGO

    It’s a 9.5/10 for Joseph-Aukuso Sua’ali’i

  • 2 WEEKS AGO

    “Put that in the book” - Rieko Ioane’s explosive post reignites feud with Sexton

View All