Fabien Galthie tests positive for Covid

Fears in the France camp were confirmed on Tuesday as head coach Fabien Galthie tested positive for Covid. By Wednesday, forwards coach William Servat would also test positive.

The team should be on a high after two wins from two in this year’s Six Nations, but they received some unwelcome news this week. After the latest round of Covid testing, one of their staff members turned up positive, and although he initially passed a test, head coach Fabien Galthie was made to undergo another on Tuesday 16 February, while isolating. It has since been confirmed that he has the virus and a day later, his assistant too.

According to the FFR (French Rugby Federation) the necessary precautions had been taken, with team members isolating as health professionals carry out the required measures.

The Six Nations do have a fallow week now, with France not set to play again until they host Scotland in Paris on Sunday 28 February.

The official word from the FFR is: “France Rugby Team Coach Fabien Galthié has tested positive for Covid-19 today. This diagnosis was made following a test this morning, in verification of a PCR test carried out the day before.

“During this test, the France group tested negative with the exception of two members of the management, including Fabien Galthié. In accordance with current health protocol, the two members of the staff, whose isolation began last night, will continue to isolate themselves for 7 days. Their activities will continue to be carried out remotely. To date, no symptoms have been observed. An additional test, carried out on Wednesday morning at the National Rugby Center, will be carried out with the entire France group. Tests will be carried out at home on Friday, as well as on Sunday evening at the National Rugby Center.

“The announcement of the 31 players for the game against Scotland will come this Wednesday evening, February 17.”

Of the Servat test, they also said: “All the players tested negative (again on Wednesday), which confirms the result of Monday, February 15. A member of the management, William Servat, was diagnosed positive for Covid-19.”

If you would like to give us any thoughts on how France have performed, what you have made of the Six Nations without fans, or anything else, please contact us at rugbyworldletters@futurenet.com

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