France rugby’s Raphael Ibanez hints Les Bleus’ Covid problems may have started with Six Nations trip to Ireland
RAPHAEL IBANEZ has speculated that France’s Covid-19 problems may have originated in Ireland as he insisted Les Bleus will play their remaining Six Nations matches.
France have had 14 positive cases among their playing and coaching staff since winning Dublin the Sunday before last.
Five players – captain Charles Ollivon, Cyril Baille, Peato Mauvaka, Romain Taofifenua and Brice Dulin – have been ruled out of this Sunday’s clash with Scotland as a result.
Tournament organisers are expected to say a decision on the Paris fixture will be taken on Wednesday.
But France team manager Ibanez said: “There are no concerns regarding our participation in the tournament.
“I can assure you we will be ready to face Scotland at the Stade de France. We had a back up plan in case this happened.
“It is not uniquely a French issue.
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“The head coach of England was affected by it and others too.
“Nobody can know how this happened. Was it in Ireland? Why not through the media who were allowed in to watch training? It only takes one infected person for the contamination to take hold in others.
“What has happened only motivates us more to put on a great performance against Scotland.”