Bernard Laporte to appear before French government

Bernard Laporte is set to appear before the French government to explain the coronavirus outbreak that threatens France’s involvement in the Six Nations.

The French Rugby Federation president must present the findings of the internal investigation into why 12 players and four backroom staff, including head coach Fabien Galthie, tested positive for Covid-19.

Laporte will face education minister Jean-Michel Blanquer and sports minister Roxana Maracineanu, who has threatened to withdraw Les Bleus from the Six Nations due to the outbreak.

Left the bubble

It has emerged that Galthie left France’s bubble on the opening weekend to watch his son play rugby, while members of the squad also went out to eat waffles when in Rome to play Italy.

France’s round three fixture against Scotland had to be postponed because of the escalating number of cases and is set to be rearranged for March 26.

As the tournament favourites’ next opponents at Twickenham on Saturday week, England will be monitoring closely the outcome of Laporte’s meeting with the government.