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Irish Mirror
Irish Mirror
Sport
Michael Scully

France hit by five fresh Covid cases ahead of Six Nations clash with Scotland as three uncapped players called up

Skipper Charles Ollivon is among the five new Covid-19 cases who will miss France's Six Nations clash with Scotland on Sunday.

The positive tests since the second round victory over Ireland in Dublin eight days ago takes the number affected in the squad and coaching staff to 14, with two members of the coaching staff also regarded as "suspected cases".

Head coach Fabien Galthie and Les Bleus' top player, scrum-half Antoine Dupont, were diagnosed as positive cases last week and Dupont is among those who it is hoped will return to training on Wednesday, depending on a negative test.

The FFR revealed on Sunday that centre Arthur Vincent and hooker Julien Marchand had tested positive for coronavirus, joining Dupont, Gabin Villiere and Mohamed Haouas in isolation.

The French Federation has confirmed today this morning that as well as flanker Ollivon, who scored France's first try against Ireland, Cyril Baille, Cyril Baille, Peato Mauvaka, Romain Taofifenua and Brice Dulin are out of the Scotland clash.

Ireland's James Lowe is tackled by Cyril Baille and Antoine Dupont of France (©INPHO/James Crombie)

Three uncapped players have been called up to a 31-strong squad.

Castres hooker Gaëtan Barlot, Bordeaux prop Thierry Paiva and Bordeaux lock Cyril Cazeaux are called up, along with Pau back row Baptiste Pesenti, who has two caps, and Toulouse full-back Thomas Ramos (14 caps).

“Two members of the management are considered to be a suspicious case," confirmed a FFR statement.

"With a view to isolation, the return home of the players and members of the management concerned is underway.

"The return to training for those remaining is still planned for Wednesday but conditional on the results of the tests carried out every 24 hours".

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