Paris (AFP)
The match between France and Scotland, postponed after a wave of Covid-19 contaminations among the Blues, will be replayed on Friday March 26 (20:00 GMT), announced Thursday the organizing committee of the 2021 Six Nations Tournament.
The meeting, counting for the third day, was initially scheduled for February 28.
The XV of France, still in the race for a first coronation in the Tournament since 2010, could therefore play the title against Scotland on March 26 at the Stade de France.
On condition of winning beforehand against Wales on Saturday.
Earlier this week, the Six Nations had already told AFP that the date of March 26 was "the preferred date".
According to AFP information, negotiations are still ongoing around the release of the Scottish internationals playing in the English championship.
The Premiership clubs refuse to release their players from the Chardon XV for a meeting not appearing in the international window, as provided for in the regulations.
Several players, including captain Stuart Hogg (Exeter), pillar Jamie Bhatti (Bath), second row Jonny Gray (Exeter), center Chris Harris (Gloucester) or winger Sean Maitland (Saracens), could thus miss out. the call against the XV of France.
On the Top 14 side, Federation (FFR) and League (LNR) have come to an agreement: the French internationals will be released to join Marcoussis all week and then face Scotland on Friday.
As for the case of the Scottish opener of Racing 92 Finn Russell (28 years old, 54 caps), discussions are also underway, a source familiar with the matter told AFP.
The meeting was initially postponed after sixteen Covid-19 contaminations in the French ranks: twelve players and four management members, including coach Fabien Galthié.
After four days, and therefore one match less each, France occupies third place (10 points) in the Tournament standings while Scotland is fifth (6 pts).
The Blues can still win the 2021 Tournament but they must beat Welsh and Scots.
The Leek XV is still in the race for the Grand Slam, its fifth since the transition to six teams in 2000.
© 2021 AFP