French rugby release statement on Six Nations participation

There had been fears that the travel ban across the Channel could have serious implications for the Six Nations, which is set to start on Feb 6, as it could prevent France from taking part.

However, Bernard Laporte remains optimistic that the Six Nations will go ahead as scheduled despite the Covid-19 crisis.

“The Six Nations will be played – with health protocols imposed by the French government, adapted to the English variant of the virus,” said Laporte on French radio.

“Like in the autumn, we will apply these new protocols. I am not worried.

“We do not foresee any other scenario other than us playing the Six Nations. In the autumn, the protocols worked well but, with this new mutant strain, I am not sure what new protocols will be introduced. Regardless, rest assured that the Six Nations will go ahead. All will be fine.”