Coach Fabien Galthie will miss France's Six Nations rugby tournament opener as he has COVID-19. -AP
Coach Fabien Galthie is set to miss France's opening Six Nations rugby match against Italy after testing postive for COVID-19.
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"This morning, I tested positive COVID-19. I am doing well and I have light symptoms," wrote Galthie on his Twitter account (@FGalthie) on Friday ahead of Sunday's match in Paris.
"As a result, I am going to self-isolate and will be working remotely this week. Raphaël Ibañez and the rest of my staff, in whom I have full confidence, will be acting as my go-betweens on the pitch.
Galthié is the fifth member of the French camp to test positive since January 24, including players Pierre Bourgarit and Thibault Flament.
No other squad member tested positive following Friday's round of testing, the federation said. Under the Six Nations health protocol, players will undergo more testing on Saturday.
The French rugby federation said that Galthié took a rapid antigen test on Thursday with the result confirmed the next day.
The federation said that Galthie, who has only minor symptoms, will be allowed to rejoin the French team from Tuesday if he provides a negative test.
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