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France players to return home, no new positive Covid tests

Antoine Dupont was among the France players to return a positive test
Antoine Dupont was among the France players to return a positive test

The French rugby federation (FFR) said its players would be able to return home on Friday after the latest round of Covid-19 tests came back negative.

The federation suspended training on Thursday and told players to isolate after registering an 11th positive case.

Their Guinness Six Nations game against Scotland, scheduled for Sunday at Stade de France, was later postponed and organisers are looking for another date for the match.

The FFR is investigating the origin of the outbreak, which saw scrum-half Antoine Dupont and captain Charles Ollivon among the players to test positive.

Members of the coaching staff were also affected, with head coach Fabien Galthie testing positive.

Galthie has faced accusations that he repeatedly breached the 'bubble' surrounding France rugby headquarters at Marcoussis.

"All my actions comply with the health protocol," Galthie told L'Equipe this week. "I do not understand these unwarranted accusations."

France, whose next scheduled game is against England at Twickenham on 13 March, lead the Six Nations standings with two victories from two games.

They are looking to win the championship for the first time since 2010 when they completed the Grand Slam. 

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