Six Nations to go ahead despite fears from French

THE Six Nations is set to go ahead as planned despite French concerns, as tournament organisers confirmed that they have reinforced their Covid-19 protocols. But the outlook is far less positive for the Women’s and Under-20s’ tournaments, which have both been postponed until later in the year.

Having essentially called a halt to the Champions Cup for the next fortnight, the French government had also raised concerns about the Six Nations going ahead due to a new UK strain of the coronavirus.

However, the Six Nations will introduce extra testing in order to ensure that the tournament can begin on February 6, with Ireland due to take on Wales the following day in their opener.

The French authorities will continue to closely monitor the situation and, although the country’s deputy Minister for Sport, Roxana Maracineanu, said she would need further information before making a final decision on Les Bleus’ matches beyond their first game against Italy in Rome, Six Nations organisers are confident that their stringent measures will ensure the tournament goes ahead as planned.

“Whilst closely monitoring the situation, Six Nations Rugby confirms plans to stage the men’s Guinness Six Nations Championship remain as scheduled,” a statement said.

“Following the successful completion of the 2020 Guinness Six Nations and Autumn Nations Cup, Six Nations Rugby is in constant dialogue with each of its governmental authorities and is further reinforcing its Covid-19 protocols.

“The Championship kicks off with Round 1 fixtures on February 6 with Italy v France, followed by England v Scotland, and Wales v Ireland on February 7.”

While the latest developments will come as a boost to the IRFU, the union has been left disappointed by the news that the Women’s and Under-20s’ Six Nations have been postponed until a later date.