Paris (AFP)

The French Rugby Federation (FFR) and the League (LNR) on Saturday formalized the agreement to tighten the group of the XV of France to 31 players for the entire Six Nations Tournament (February 6 - March 20) and so to adapt to the health context.

"The health situation linked to the Covid-19 pandemic requires new measures to be taken limiting the risks linked to the movements of players entering and leaving the group of the XV of France during the period of the 6 Nations Tournament", wrote the two authorities of the French rugby in a joint press release.

"At the request of the FFR, the FFR and the LNR have therefore agreed to provide a group which will be maintained at 31 players from the week of January 31 and for the whole of the period of the Tournament ", continued FFR and LNR, specifying that they had signed a new amendment.

The previous amendment, signed on January 4, offered coach Fabien Galthié the possibility of soliciting up to 37 selectable players as well as 5 training partners.

From 42 players initially convened in Nice, for the training camp, the group was reduced Thursday to 28 players.

Eight selectable players and the five "sparring-partners" have returned to their clubs.

The second line of La Rochelle Thomas Lavault had not been able to integrate the health bubble established in Nice, being positive for the coronavirus.

In principle, only three other players will be able to join the cocoon of the Blues after the Top 14 matches of the weekend.

But "adjustments will remain possible (...) especially in the event of injury of a selected player", indicate the two instances in the press release.

This new "deal" between the FFR and the LNR should make it possible to reduce the back and forth of the players between the XV of France and the clubs, in order to limit the risks of contamination.

"Any new player will join the group under the conditions defined by the Covid-19 medical protocol established by the Committee of 6 Nations, in order to preserve the health bubble of the XV of France", added FFR and LNR.

The Blues are due to start the Tournament in Rome on February 6 against Italy.

© 2021 AFP