France vs Fiji Autumn Nations Cup match called off following coronavirus outbreak

Opening weekend of Autumn Nations Cup hit by fixture cancellation following outbreak among Fijian squad

This weekend’s Autumn Nations Cup clash between France and Fiji has been called off following an outbreak of coronavirus cases within the Fijian squad.

With the one-off tournament due to get under way this weekend, a decision has been taken to cancel Sunday’s fixture following five positive coronavirus tests results among the Fijian camp, with other players unavailable due to coming into close contact with those affected.

It is a huge blow for the unions involved in the inaugural Autumn Nations Cup, which features the Six Nations sides plus Georgia and Fiji, in place of the regular autumn internationals.

The Six Nations, who have organised the Autumn Nations Cup, held an emergency meeting on Friday afternoon following the news of the positive test results, with captain and Bristol Bears centre Semi Radradra understood to be among the five infected personnel.

During the meeting, a decision was taken that – with insufficient space in the rugby calendar to reschedule the match – a full cancellation was the only course of action to be taken, with the tournament’s sub-committee set to determine the result of the match on Monday. Under the regulations, France stand to claim a 28-0 victory as they are not at fault for the cancellation, although it could still be ruled a 0-0 draw depending on the outcome of the meeting.

Read more: Autumn Nations Cup fixtures and TV info

A statement read: “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 four 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.”

Fiji Rugby confirmed on Friday that they had returned one positive test ahead of the match with the individual entering a regulated period of self-isolation within their training base in Vannes, where the fixture was due to be played.

"Tests conducted after relocating to our tournament base has returned a positive case of Covid-19,” said Fiji Rugby chief executive John O’Connor.

“The concerned player had previously tested negative prior to joining pre-camp and while in pre-camp and has so far shown no symptoms.

"As part of the Covid-19 tournament protocols, the player has been isolated and is being monitored by our medical team.”

However, subsequent testing showed another four infected personnel, with their track and trace system also ruling further players out of this weekend’s encounter.

French players have returned to their clubs after the game against Fiji was cancelled (AFP via Getty)

“This was a difficult and disappointing decision, but it was the only possible outcome following today’s test results,” said Six Nations chief executive Ben Morel. “While 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.”

Fiji are due to face Italy next weekend in the opening match of round two, but a further round of testing will be required before a decision is made on whether the game can go ahead or not.

“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 21 November,” organisers added.

“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.”

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