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French Rugby: Six Nations 'will take place'

By PA
(Photo by Dan Mullan/The RFU Collection via Getty Images)

France Rugby Federation president Bernard Laporte has insisted this season’s Guinness Six Nations Championship “will take place”. The World Rugby vice-chairman also said there will be an expanded coronavirus testing programme for the tournament, while each country will have “a Covid manager”.

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France’s government is demanding reassurances on safety from England and Ireland before allowing its national side to visit those countries during the Six Nations. Only the tournament’s opening fixture against Italy in Rome on February 6 has been approved by Sports Minister Roxana Maracineanu.

The French authorities have concerns over the soaring number of coronavirus cases in the UK and Ireland and have already barred their clubs from taking part in European competition this month.

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Referee JP Doyle joins Simon Zebo and Ryan Wilson on the latest RugbyPass Offload

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Referee JP Doyle joins Simon Zebo and Ryan Wilson on the latest RugbyPass Offload

The Six Nations held talks with Parisian officials earlier this week, and discussions will be ongoing as organisers attempt to convince the government in France that sufficient coronavirus protocols are in place.

It is highly unlikely the tournament would go ahead without France, who play Ireland in Dublin on February 14 and England at Twickenham on March 13. But Laporte has moved to ease fears, stating in an interview with the franceinfo website: “I understand some are sceptical, but it will take place.

“Firstly, because we had during the autumn (Nations Cup) put in place a protocol which worked very, very well. The proof is that as soon as a team, in this case Fiji, were detected with Covid cases, they were out of the competition. It worked well.

“There is going to be a Six Nations protocol. Once again, all of this makes us very optimistic. We will go further, there will be even more tests. We adapt to the conditions, but it’s the same principle – a real health bubble. A lot of organisation, a lot of foresight, with a Covid manager in each nation. I repeat, it worked well in the autumn, it will work well during this Six Nations time.”

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H
Hellhound 2 hours ago
The Springboks have something you don't have

Rassie has done very well with the Boks. The well will certainly not dry up soon. The amount of young talent coming through, that don't even stand a chance of making it in before 2027, is just absolutely amazing.


However, Rassie has proven to be a rugby genius. He will never rest on his laurels. It's why he keeps evolving tactics, keeping everyone on their toes. He doesn't underestimate any team. He is very aware of just how close the top teams is.


There will be no complacency not will he relax with his main stars. He is very astute, knowing that his team is getting older and thus giving the younger players much more playtime than what any other coach would do.


By the time the 2027 WC comes around, he will be prepared to defend his title and he knows one bad day will end a triple WC crown. Competition is that close. The Boks are in transition, even though it doesn't look like it.


After the 2027 WC, most of the double (possible triple) WC champs players will become unavailable due to retirement from international rugby. Rassie is already preparing the replacements, getting caps under their belts.


The top teams is just too close to underestimate and no Bok will be allowed to get complacent. Although they are by far the current most successful team and clearly the best by miles, they are not undefeatable.


Very tough to beat yes, but they can lose on the day. I am not worried. The youngsters by 2027 WC will be experienced with lots of years ahead and that should be a warning to the rest of the pack biting at their heels. Love them or hate them, but you have to admire the Boks. They truely deserve to be top dogs currently.

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