Common front behind the XV of France. The internal investigation report on the outbreak of Covid-19 contamination in the team concludes that the health protocol has been “Well developed” and “Respected” by the team, said Friday, March 5 the Minister of National Education, Youth and Sports, Jean-Michel Blanquer.
“No one broke the protocol”, in particular the coach Fabien Galthié, added the president of the French Rugby Federation (FFR), Bernard Laporte, after an hour-long interview with Mr. Blanquer and the Minister for Sports, Roxana Maracineanu.
The attitude of Fabien Galthié, who had come out of the health bubble to attend a match of his son, was mentioned in particular, as well as the fact that players of the XV of France were seen before the match against Italy in the streets of Rome enjoying waffles.
“Now, no more leaving the hotel”
After their meeting, however, the three officials agreed that this protocol should be strengthened. “Now, no more leaving the hotel: it’s belt and suspenders”, commented Bernard Laporte. “We are never too vigilant”, insisted Mr. Blanquer, who evokes a protocol “Well developed”, even if “We can always tighten the stitches better”.
After the postponement of the match against Scotland on February 28, due to the appearance of this source of contamination, the XV of France must regroup Sunday in the center of Marcoussis (Essonne) for the match in England, the 13 March.
The Blues recorded sixteen cases of Covid-19 between February 16 and 25: twelve players and four members of the management, including Fabien Galthié.
