MY ACCOUNT
Fabien Galthie provided an encouraging update on Antoine Dupont and Romain Ntamack after France’s key duo tested positive for COVID-19 ahead of the Six Nations.
Les Bleus’ preparation for the tournament has been hard hit by a host of contracting coronavirus.
Bernard Le Roux had to make 11 changes to his 42-man squad, with World Rugby Player of the Year Dupont, fly-half Ntamack and Bernard Le Roux among those who were unable to report for international duty.
Galthie on Wednesday revealed the absentees due to COVID-19 are recovering well ahead of his side’s opening game of the tournament against Italy at Stade de France a week on Sunday.
The France head coach said: “We keep in touch with all the players from afar, of course.
“We have good news concerning the players and their state of health and spirit and all are doing well.”
Mercurial scrum-half Dupont has not played since December 11 due to a knee injury and coronavirus.
Galthie says the playmaker could return for Toulouse in their Top 14 encounter with Racing 92 on Saturday.
“I have spoken to him: he is doing well. He resumed training two weeks ago,” said Galthie
“He wanted to play against Cardiff but the match did not go ahead. Then of course he tested positive for COVID. But he is fine, and is still training. Today he had a test at his club and depending on the results he will play or not for Toulouse this weekend.
“That is up to his head coach Ugo Mola and I have confidence in him he will take the right decision both for his team and for Antoine.”
It is 12 years since France won the Six Nations, but they are favourites to end that title drought this time around and that is music to Galthie’s ears.
“I am very happy with this compliment, we’re very happy and proud to be labelled as favourites,” he said.
“We are very happy to hear all those positive comments. It’s very rewarding, it’s rewarding for our two-year work, it’s rewarding for all the commitment of the players, the virtues of the team and their dedication on the pitch.”
