Post by Webster on Nov 18, 2020 4:55:45 GMT
(The Guardian) Fiji rugby tour in disarray as 29 out of 32-man squad test positive
The Fijian rugby team’s European tour is in disarray with almost the entire playing squad testing positive to Covid-19. 29 players and support staff - out of 32 - have now tested positive to the novel coronavirus, leading to the cancellation of their Test against Italy.
A preliminary match against Portugal was called off earlier this month after three members of the Flying Fijian squad tested positive, while the Nations Cup clash against France was abandoned when five players tested positive.
France was awarded a 28-0 victory, and a bonus point, after Fiji was unable to safely field a side for the Test in Vannes.
In a statement, tournament organisers Six Nations Rugby said they remain in constant contact with the Fijian squad to address the situation.
Ben Morel, chief executive of Six Nations Rugby, the organiser of the Nations Cup tournament, said the decision to cancel the French test was “a difficult and disappointing decision, but it was the only possible outcome”. “The welfare of our players and their support teams remain our number one priority.”