How was this mess allowed to happen?

Q Why is Mako Vunipola in self-isolation? A Because he flew back from Tonga via Hong Kong, which has had more than 100 cases of the coronavirus and is also one of China’s biggest transit hubs. Even though Vunipola has displayed no signs of illness, a significant number of carriers never show symptoms so he could still be contagious. The NHS recommends self-isolating for 14 days. Q Why did Vunipola fly to Tonga? A On Feb 18, Eddie Jones said that Vunipola returned for “family reasons” which are understood to be related to a close relative suffering a serious illness. Q Did the RFU book his flight? A No. As it was a personal matter, Vunipola is understood to have made his own travel arrangements. Q Was Vunipola offered any travel advice? A Unclear. When he flew out the coronavirus was less of an issue in this country than it is now. There are no direct flights from London to Tonga, so there is a choice of transit airports, including Singapore and Hong Kong, which have both suffered outbreaks of coronavirus.

Vunipola could have travelled via the United States, which is more expensive, but would have been safer. Q How come he was named in England’s first squad on Monday? A It would seem there was a failure to communicate between Vunipola and management.

Either England were unaware of his travel plans or they did not put two and two together. Q What happens next? A NHS advice says he should self-isolate for 14 days, so he will also miss England’s final Six Nations match against Italy on March 14 in Rome.