Galthie: Zero risk does not exist

FRANCE coach Fabien Galthie admits they must accept criticism for their recent coronavirus outbreak, but insists zero risk does not exist.

Les Bleus resume their Six Nations campaign against England tomorrow after the game with Scotland, on February 28, had to be postponed. Galthie and 12 players contracted the virus last month and it then emerged the coach left the squad’s bubble on the opening weekend to watch his son play rugby, while players also went out to eat waffles when in Rome to play Italy.

Sports minister Roxana Maracineanu had initially threatened to withdraw the team from the tournament but the government has given the green light to continue after a probe cleared the team and staff of any wrongdoing.

‘The protocols protects well or even very well but zero risk does not exist,’ Galthie said.

‘All my actions, all our actions, were in compliance with the sanitary protocol.

‘[But] we must accept that we can hear what is being said without turning away.’

VIRAT KOHLI insists England are the ‘team to beat’ at this year’s T20 World Cup as he rejected suggestions from Eoin Morgan and Jos Buttler that India are firm favourites on home soil. The India captain said: ‘I actually think it’s England who will be the team to beat. They’re the No.1 side in the world and the prime focus will be on them in this World Cup. The other teams will be wary of the strengths they bring onto the park.’

REFEREE Darren Drysdale has been handed a backdated suspension after appearing to lean his head into Ipswich midfielder Alan Judge during last month’s 0-0 draw with Northampton.

The 50-year-old official was charged by the Football Association following the incident, which came after he stopped play to book Judge for diving to win a penalty. In testimony Drysdale said the abuse from Judge was ‘the worst he had experienced as a referee’.

He has not officiated a match since but has now been cleared to resume his duties.