Six Nations bubble has burst for this XV

THE advent of every Six Nations throws up some notable absentees from the starting grid and if this year’s list is longer than usual, the explanation is to be found in a single, chilling word: Covid.

Such hardy perennials as lack of form and lack of fitness have taken the usual toll, likewise suspension.

As England tighthead Kyle Sinckler, below, and Wales fullback-cum-wing Liam Williams pay for recent red cards, two more have opted out of spending eight weeks in a bio-secure bubble.

Matteo Minozzi, Wasps’ Italian fullback, has been quoted as describing himself “too tired physically and mentally to live in a bubble for two months”.

Joe Marler’s latest England retirement, ‘for family reasons’, spares him from another extended period from home.

No doubt both will be thrilled to bits to make our Six Nations XV reserved for nonstarters from the opening round although one may have to be replaced.

At close of play last night, Ireland had not ruled Iain Henderson out of returning next week from long-term injury.

SIX NATIONS’ FIRST ROUND ABSENTEE XV:

15 Matteo Minozzi (Italy); 14 Liam Williams (Wales), 13 Virimi Vakatawa (France), 12 Sam Johnson (Scotland), 11 Jacob Stockdale (Ireland); 10 Romain Ntamack (France), 9 Willi Heinz (England);

1 Joe Marler (England), 2 Stuart McInally (Scotland), 3 Kyle Sinckler (England); 4 Joe Launchbury (England), 5 Iain Henderson (Ireland); 6 Ross Moriarty (Wales), 7 Sam Underhill (England), 8 Gregory Alldritt (France).