29 positive tests sees Italy v Fiji cancelled

Colin Newboult

Team Fidji during the World Cup Japan 2019, Pool D rugby union match between Georgia and Fiji on October 3, 2019 at Hanazono Rugby Stadium in Higashiosaka, Japan

Fiji’s participation in the Autumn Nations Cup has been placed in grave doubt after their second pool match was cancelled due to the spread of coronavirus through their squad.

The clash with Italy in Ancona on November 21 has been called off after the latest round of Covid-19 tests produced 29 positives.

The announcement by tournament organisers comes just hours after France were awarded a 28-0 win following the cancellation of their match due to five positive coronavirus cases in the Fijian squad.

One game remaining

The Islanders only have one group game remaining – against Scotland at Murrayfield on November 28 – and given the extent of the outbreak and its accelerating severity, a serious question mark hovers over their ability to fulfil the fixture.

A statement read: “The organiser of the Autumn Nations Cup today announced the cancellation of the Italy v Fiji match due to take place on Saturday 21st November 2020 in Ancona.

“The decision was taken after the latest round of COVID-19 tests undertaken yesterday by the Fijian team returned 29 positive cases this morning.

“The tournament organiser remains in constant contact with the Fijian squad to address the situation. The main priority at present is the welfare of all players and management.

“The potential impact on Fiji’s remaining matches is currently under review.”

International