France issues update on defence coach Shaun Edwards

Defence coach Shaun Edwards will not join France’s rugby team for their remaining Test in Japan, despite a negative Covid-19 Test Sunday, the French Rugby Federation (FFR) told AFP.

“Despite his negative test this morning, Shaun is not fully recovered from his 12 days of Covid,” an FFR official said.

“After discussions with him, we thought it more reasonable that he does not travel to join us, and that he continues his work remotely.”

France beat Japan 42-23 in Toyota City in the opening Test on Saturday. The second match is in Tokyo on July 9.

The Englishman was one of four members of the touring party to test positive just before the French rugby team set off for Japan for a two-match series.

Coaches Edwards and Laurent Labit, as well as backs Max Spring and Aymeric Luc, tested positive on June 22 and were placed in isolation, missing the squad’s departure for Japan.

The two players tested negative on June 25 and set off for Japan, though neither was in the matchday squad on Saturday.

Labit, the attack coach, has also flown to Japan.

France eventually overpowered Japan in the first Test in Aichi. The two countries were level at 13-13 at halftime after a sprightly first-half display by the hosts but the strength and fitness of the French proved decisive in the second period in swelteringly hot and humid conditions which dictated several water breaks.

Penaud took his international try tally to 18 but it was the triumphant return of flyhalf Matthieu Jalibert after serious injury that marked the French success.