Paris (AFP)

Fabien Galthié "diagnosed positive for Covid-19" and placed in isolation, the XV of France will begin to prepare for the third match of the 2021 Six Nations Tournament, on February 28 against Scotland, without his coach.

Announced as a "suspicious and unsuccessful case" after a first series of tests on Monday, returning from Ireland, where the Blues won for the first time since 2011, Galthié was retested on Tuesday morning.

Another member of the technical staff of the France team has also tested positive.

"In accordance with the health protocol in force, the two members of the management whose isolation began last night (Monday, Editor's note) will continue to isolate themselves for seven days," said the French Rugby Federation.

The players have all tested negative.

These two absences should not however disturb too much the preparation of the match against the XV of Chardon, in twelve days at the Stade de France.

First of all because "their activities will continue to be carried out remotely", assures the French Rugby Federation (FFR).

Not ideal for a crucial meeting but, with a framework provided, which includes several former internationals (manager Raphaël Ibanez, forward coach William Servat ...) or experienced staff (defense coach Shaun Edwards, of the Laurent Labit attack ...), the Blues can see it coming.

Then, because players and staff, gathered in Marcoussis, will be released Thursday for a mini-break of a few days.

The opportunity to breathe a little for the Blues, who will return to the CNR on Sunday.

- Sanitary bubble -

"It is essential and extremely important also to be able to cut and relax at home. It will do us good to see our loved ones again. We will be able to recharge the batteries", had justified Sunday the young center Arthur Vincent.

"To date, no symptoms have been observed," the Federation also adds.

Players and management, gathered at the National Rugby Center (CNR) in Marcoussis, were placed in isolation and "interactions are limited to the maximum", specifies the Federation.

All players will be retested on Wednesday morning at the CNR before returning to their families, with orders to limit interactions with the outside.

New tests will also be carried out at home, from Friday, as well as Sunday evening when returning to the CNR.

The staff of the France team must announce Wednesday evening the list of 31 players to prepare for the match against Scotland, Sunday February 28, at the Stade de France, on behalf of the third day of the Six Nations Tournament.

Gathered at the end of January in Nice, the XV of France and its staff were placed in a health bubble with strict protocol, including hotels and privatized flights, in the face of the French authorities' concern in particular at the risk of the spread of one of the new variants of the coronavirus, very present in Great Britain.

Staff on site are also tested, such as players, who are placed in individual rooms and will have to wear the mask on each trip.

Even journalists do not have access to the players since exchanges with the press are only made by videoconference.

"Preventing the birth of a possible outbreak, detecting and circumscribing it are three fundamental actions of our protocol", thus assured the FFR to AFP, recalling that the protocol put in place is reinforced compared to that of the Cup autumn of nations.

At the time, the Fijians had to forfeit three of their four matches after contracting up to more than thirty positive cases.

© 2021 AFP