Six Nations bosses tell French show must go on

Organisers confident senior men’s tournament will proceed as women’s and U-20s are held back

DEFIANT Six Nations bosses are adamant the tournament will go ahead as scheduled despite concerns raised by French authorities after organisers confirmed they have reinforced Covid-19 protocols and intend to proceed with all fixtures as planned.

But the outlook is far less positive for the women’s and U-20s tournaments, which have both been postponed until later in the year due to the problems arising from the ongoing pandemic.

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 the UK strain of coronavirus.

However, the Six Nations are adamant that they can proceed and 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 remained steadfast.

They have let it be known to French chiefs that they are confident their stringent measures will ensure the tournament goes ahead.

“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 Covid19 protocols.

The championship kicks off on February 6 with Italy v France, followed by England v Scotland later that day 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 U-20s Six Nations have been postponed.