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Galthie confirmed as France camp's 'patient zero'
By Sam Smith
Bernard Laporte has confirmed that Fabien Galthié left France’s Six Nations bubble before the camp was hit by a wave of Covid-19 cases. The France head coach is one of 16 members of the camp to have tested positive for Covid following their Six Nations win over Ireland in Dublin.
As a result, the round three fixture between Scotland and France had to be postponed, leaving tournament organisers with the major headache of trying to rearrange the fixture in an already packed calendar.
And now French Rugby Federation president Laporte has confirmed that Galthié broke Covid protocols be leaving the France bubble to attend a game his son was playing in, the day after Les Bleus beat Italy in the opening round of the Six Nations.
"For me, he has the right to leave from the moment he is masked. He was outside," said Laporte.
"He watched the match alongside Thomas Lombard (director general of Stade Francais), who himself is tested every three days and also wore a mask."
"I don't see where the problem could be but then again I am not a doctor."
Laporte said that despite the breach, Galthie’s job is not under threat.
"Why wouldn't I support him? I am not a prosecutor. And it's not because I really like Fabian. He knows very well that I don't give gifts to people."
On Sunday, French rugby federation board of directors member Florian Grill on Sunday called for an independent investigation into the outbreak.
"The governance of French rugby had signed a protocol with the government, which is no small responsibility. We need to get to the truth of this, we need precision and transparency,” Grill said.
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Latest Comments
It certainly needs to be cherished. Despite Nick (and you) highlighting their usefulness for teams like Australia (and obviously those in France they find form with) I (mention it general in those articles) say that I fear the game is just not setup in Aus and NZ to appreciate nor maximise their strengths. The French game should continue to be the destination of the biggest and most gifted athletes but it might improve elsewhere too.
I just have an idea it needs a whole team focus to make work. I also have an idea what the opposite applies with players in general. I feel like French backs and halves can be very small and quick, were as here everyone is made to fit in a model physique. Louis was some 10 and 20 kg smaller that his opposition and we just do not have that time of player in our game anymore. I'm dying out for a fast wing to appear on the All Blacks radar.
But I, and my thoughts on body size in particular, could be part of the same indoctrination that goes on with player physiques by the establishment in my parts (country).
Go to commentsHis best years were 2018 and he wasn't good enough to win the World Cup in 2023! (Although he was voted as the best player in the world in 2023)
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