ADVERTISEMENT
RugbyDump
REGISTER
LOGIN
ADVERTISEMENT
RugbyDump
Friday Nov 13, 2020

France/Fiji Autumn Nations Cup match called off due to COVID outbreak

The Autumn Nations Cup match between France and Fiji, which was scheduled to be held this weekend in Vannes, has been cancelled following a number of positive COVID-19 cases within the Fijian squad.

ADVERTISEMENT

Earlier this week, it was revealed that one Fijian player had tested positive for the virus, putting the match in jeopardy. Additional tests were then conducted, which produced another four positive cases, forcing the cancellation.

Autumn Nations Cup organisers said that “due to the tight schedule of the competition it is unfortunately not possible to reschedule this match. The sporting result of this match will be determined at a meeting on Monday with the designated tournament sub-committee.”

It is expected that Fiji will have to forfeit the match, with the appropriate points being awarded to France, although a decision on this is not expected to come until the sub-committee meets on Monday.

Ben Morel, CEO of Six Nations Rugby, the tournament organiser, expressed his understanding of the situation: “This was a difficult and disappointing decision, but it was the only possible outcome following today’s test results.  Whilst we’ve all been eagerly awaiting this match, the welfare of our players and their support teams remain our number one priority.

“We have a rigorous testing programme in place. In this instance, it is impossible for the Fijians to field a competitive team and we have no other option but to cancel this match. I want to thank the Fijian and French Unions for their collaboration and wish the impacted athletes a speedy recovery”

It is understood that Fiji’s star centre Semi Radradra is one of the players to have tested positive for COVID-19.

ADVERTISEMENT

The new eight-team tournament kicks off this evening in Dublin, with Ireland facing Wales.

Related Articles

  • 60 WEEKS AGO

    Ellis Genge puts on his boxing gloves ready...

  • 60 WEEKS AGO

    Crazy scenes as player deliberately kicks...

  • 60 WEEKS AGO

    RFU make decision on transgender players...



ADVERTISEMENT

Great Tries

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    South African schoolboy produces the greatest goosey in the sport

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible team try showcases thrills of the grassroots game

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    Highlights video shows just why Vakatawa’s return is so highly anticipated

  • 7 WEEKS AGO

    Individual brilliance as player scores off his own kick off

  • 8 WEEKS AGO

    Match Report: Australia challenge the All Black HAKA in extraordinary test

View All

Big Hits & Dirty Play

  • 2 WEEKS AGO

    Tom Curry receives ban following red card tackle against Argentina

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    Off the ball 'punches' being called out by fans following All Blacks vs Springbok match

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    Scott Barrett's World Cup on the rocks following reckless shoulder charge

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Bizarre tackle school video divides viewers

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Springbok fans given a scare as Kolbe takes back-breaking hit

View All

See It To Believe It

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible team try showcases thrills of the grassroots game

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Dane Coles stunned as he hears news of Steve Hansen joining the Wallabies

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Moment of madness leads to incredible Springbok score

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    Highlights video shows just why Vakatawa’s return is so highly anticipated

  • 7 WEEKS AGO

    Individual brilliance as player scores off his own kick off

View All

Funnies

  • 2 DAYS AGO

    Springbok head coach Jacques Nienaber offers ice cold response at the press conference

  • 5 DAYS AGO

    Stone Cole’d: Dan Cole channels his inner Steve Austin in brilliant behind the scenes action

  • 5 DAYS AGO

    Chaos ensues as off-field substitute is caught up in try scoring opportunity

  • 2 WEEKS AGO

    Springboks set to sing additional song post national anthem in future test matches

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    Brian O'Driscoll unburdens himself with huge confession in classic Guinness advert

View All

Amateur

  • 37 WEEKS AGO

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

  • 37 WEEKS AGO

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

  • 60 WEEKS AGO

    Dubious Score Decides Result Of Rugby's Biggest Schools Fixture

  • 60 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Scenes At School Boys Rugby Match

  • 61 WEEKS AGO

    The Next Dominant Backrow?

View All

Player Features

  • 0 HOUR AGO

    Kyle Sinckler surprises everyone with World Cup injury admission

  • 1 DAY AGO

    The three key takeaways from the ‘Eddie Jones press conference’

  • 1 DAY AGO

    Antoine Dupont potentially able to return ahead of the Quarter-finals

  • 4 DAYS AGO

    Drew Mitchell Vs. Johnny Sexton: The untold story

  • 4 DAYS AGO

    Namibia captain receives awful backlash from trolls on social media following unfortunate DuPont hit

View All