France have been awarded a 28-0 victory over Fiji with a bonus point after their Autumn Nations Cup rugby opener was called off when five Fijian players tested positive for Covid-19.
France prop Demba Bamba runs with the ball during a training session on 11 November, before their test with Fiji was called off. Photo: AFP
One player - understood to be centre Semi Radradra - tested positive last Tuesday with additional tests returning a further four positive cases that also affected close contacts.
Tournament organisers Six Nations Rugby said: "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".
A warm-up test against Portugal was also cancelled earlier this month when three members of the Flying Fijians squad tested positive for the coronavirus.
The team is currently self isolating in their hotel rooms as they await the results of two additional rounds of testing from Monday and Wednesday.
A decision on whether Sunday morning's game against Italy goes ahead will be made once those results are known.
Fiji are due to play Italy on Sunday morning. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
"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."
The Autumn Nations Cup, which features the Six Nations countries, Fiji and Georgia, was established after the international rugby schedule was disrupted by the Covid-19 pandemic.
- Reuters/RNZ