France have been awarded a 28-0 bonus point victory following their Autumn Nations Cup opening against Fiji was cancelled following the outbreak of Covid-19 in the South Pacific side.
Four players including reportedly including captain Semi Radradra were tested positive for Covid-19 and had to face self-isolation along with the rest of the squad members which forced their game against France cancelled.
A statement released by the tournament organisers confirmed that with no possibility of rescheduling the game, France were awarded the bonus-point win.
“Following last week’s cancellation of the France v Fiji match, The tournament organisers of the Autumn Nations Cup have confirmed a decision to award a 28-0 victory with Bonus Point to France.
“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.
“We wish the affected Fiji players well as they continue their recovery and are working closely with the Fiji team, to ensure that they are able to field a competitive team against Italy”.
Fiji are set to face Italy in the second round on Saturday and will be hoping for all the players to return negative result for Covid-19 in order to kick their campaign in the eight-team tournament.
“Morale in camp is high but there is frustration since the team had prepared well and was looking forward to the match to kick off their campaign” said Fiji Rugby Union chief executive officer John O’Connor.
“Based on the recommendation of the tournament medical board and expert advice on the high risk of the virus spreading to other players and to ensure player safety, wellbeing and welfare, the match has been cancelled.
“None of the players who have tested positive have any symptoms and all are healthy and doing well. Based on expert medical advice, effective immediately from last night, all players and team management have been placed under quarantine and are now isolated in their individual rooms.
“Our medical team, with the support of the French Rugby Federation medical team, have started contact tracing and are monitoring the players with further tests planned for Monday and Wednesday, prior to the Italy match.”
