“We’re starting to get used to exercising! “ On the other side of the screen, Raphaël Ibañez smiles, at the dawn of a new edition of the Six Nations Tournament. “Before taking off for Rome, we will undergo yet another PCR test, then it will be a matter of strictly respecting the health protocol”, explains the general manager of the XV de France, in videoconference. In Italy, the Blues begin, Saturday February 6, a strange tournament: without spectators, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, and by evolving “In an ultra-strict health bubble”.
As Europe curls up, faced with variants of the virus, the organization of the rugby competition was held by a thread. A year ago, the 2020 edition was among the first sporting events interrupted by the epidemic, before ending in the fall. As a result, the organizers have issued a list of drastic instructions to prevent risks.
PCR testing has become almost as common for gamers as a massage session. “We are tested three times a week, unveils the second line of the Blues Paul Willemse. We do everything to stay within the rules. It is our responsibility. We do not want to be the team affected by Covid-19 which would endanger the tournament. “
The memory of the Fiji team, which missed several meetings of the Autumn Nations Cup – including the one against France – due to a focus of internal contamination, remains alive. In addition to having appointed a “Covid manager” – the vice-president of the French Rugby Federation (FFR), Serge Simon, for the Blues -, responsible for ensuring compliance with the protocol, the six teams of the tournament apply the same rules : “Prevent the birth of a possible outbreak, detect it and contain it”, we explain to the FFR.
Bulle in Nice
Several French players were put in isolation upon their arrival in the bubble, cases having been detected in their club. But all the tests carried out came back negative, unlike other nations. In England, the coach, Eddie Jones, was forced to start the preparation for isolation: he was in contact with his forwards coach, diagnosed positive.
“Being in a bubble can be a bit difficult for some, players and staff”, Fabien Galthié underlined before the start of the preparation. “Being in a closed community can bring its share of difficulties, recognizes the French coach. We didn’t have any, we were happy to be together. ”
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