Scotland-France rugby match: After Covid outbreak in French squad, safety must come first – Angus Robertson

Rugby fans will be concerned about the potential postponement of the France-Scotland international which was planned to take place this Sunday.

Captain Charles Ollivon is among five new France players who have tested positive for Covid-19. (Picture: Brian Lawless/pool/AFP via Getty Images)

Following a coronavirus outbreak amongst the French squad and back-room staff, safety must come first and the health of players of both sides must be paramount.

France’s position became critical after five further players tested positive for coronavirus.

The French captain Charles Ollivon and nine other France players have now all tested positive for the virus and they join head coach Fabien Galthie and assistant William Servat who have been in isolation after testing positive earlier this week.

Regardless about the problems for the French side, a big welcome is extended to Josh Bayliss of Bath Rugby on his first call-up to Scotland’s national squad and hope he will make an appearance whenever the Six Nations match takes place against France.

Bayliss, who has been described as one of the most exciting young back rowers in the English premiership, qualifies for the national side owing to his maternal grandmother who was from Aberdeen.

We are lucky to have such an exciting prospect for the Scotland side, especially since he was a member of the England U20 team that reached the final of the Junior World Cup.

The surprise call-up for Josh Bayliss and uncapped young scrum-half Jamie Dobie sees them join Adam Hastings, Jamie Bhatti, Cornell du Preez, Rob Harley and Sam Johnson who all return to the Scotland squad. Hopefully we will see them play in Blue soon.

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