Organisers of the Autumn Nations Cup today announced they have taken the difficult decision to cancel the Autumn Nations Cup fixture between France and Fiji. The decision comes after additional COVID-19 tests were carried out on the Fiji squad following a positive test received on Tuesday. These tests have resulted in another 4 positive cases affecting close contacts as well.
The match was due to take place in Vannes on 15th November 2020. 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.
Ben Morel, CEO of Six Nations Rugby, the tournament organiser, commented: "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"
The Autumn Nations Cup organisers are working closely with the Fiji Rugby Union to take all necessary measures to mitigate the impact of the outbreak and to ensure that preparations can resume on time for Fiji’s next match against Italy on November 21st. It is premature to have any views on the staging of this match prior to a further series of tests which are due to take place in the coming days.
JOIN THE RUCK:
Meet the biggest and strongest beasts of the Autumn Nations Cup
1. Sam Underhill (England)
The flanker has a terminator like physique, but not only is he in great shape, he's also studying Politics and Economics at the University of Bath. Superman on the pitch, and a gentle giant off it.
2. George North (Wales)
Another Welshman known for bulldozing his way through defences, North has made his name by being monstrously strong. His sheer strength was most notably demonstrated on the 2013 Lions tour to Australia when he picked up Israel Folau and carried him… while the ball was in his hand!
SPT_GCK_280613_British and Irish Lions Tour 2013, Australia, Melbourne. Picture Graham Chadwick. George North and the Lions team take a dip in the sea at St Kilda
3. Andrew Porter (Ireland)
Height: 6′ 0″ Weight: 269 lbs
The powerhouse, who is renowned for his freakish ability in the gym, is poised to make a sizeable impact in this Autumn Nations Cup. At just 20, he could squat 280 kilograms. It's anyone's guess what that number is now. The story goes that they literally ran out of weights for him to lift back in school such was (and is) his freakish strength. A name to look out for.
4.Leigh Halfpenny
The Wales fullback isn’t the biggest on the list, not by a long shot. Halfpenny has put on some serious size over the years and is a solid unit on the field. He has a great shape and very lean, women’s choice it seems!
5. Jamie Bhatti (Scotland)
He built his solid frame outside the conventional confines of the gym. Bhatti spent his youth lugging around cow carcasses as part of his job as a slaughterman.
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