Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Asharq Al-Awsat
Asharq Al-Awsat
Sport
Asharq Al-Awsat

France Awarded Autumn Nations Cup After Fiji Virus Outbreak

France players during a training session in Marcoussis, southern Paris, in readiness for Sunday’s under-threat game with Fiji. Photograph: AFP/Getty Images

France was awarded a 28-0 win with a bonus point on Tuesday after its rugby match against Fiji was canceled in the Autumn Nations Cup.

A coronavirus outbreak within the Fiji squad forced the cancellation of the opening match for both teams scheduled last Sunday in Vannes.

“Whilst no fault has been apportioned to Fiji Rugby, the competition rules provide that if a team is primarily responsible for a match not taking place, a 28-0 victory will be awarded to the opposition that could have played the match,” Cup organizers said.

They added they were working with the Fijians, subject to more virus tests, to ensure they can field a competitive side against Italy on Saturday in Ancona.

The 28-0 decision put France atop Group B, ahead of Scotland on points difference, The Associated Press reported.

France and Scotland meet on Sunday at Murrayfield in the second round.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.