News of the cancellation of the France-Ireland game in Dublin is the latest blow to hit rugby.
First, we must wish the French officials and players affected by a positive test all the best for a quick and complete recovery.
Then come all the consequences and doubts.
Can the game be replayed within the foreseeable future? With the Italy-Scotland game not due till 6 December there is an outside chance it could take place on the same date. Much depends on how the results of further testing go.
Next it casts a shadow over the two games between France and England which are due within the next three weeks. As things stand, they look unlikely. At present we don’t know how many French players are affected. Would there be enough squad members left over to provide worthwhile contests? Before Round 4 a training squad of 32 was announced for the remaining fixtures. It’s perfectly possible that that would leave enough players to compete.
The relocating of the France-Ireland game showed rugby in its best light. Ireland’s amateur players would not have been able to sustain a fortnight’s quarantine on returning home from the match in Lille. France, whose players are semi-pro, made the generous gesture of offering to switch the venue to Dublin, thereby sacrificing home advantage in a game that would decide second place in the championship.
They were congratulated on all sides for their decision.
If it shows the sport up in the warmest light, it also emphasises the gulf between the life-styles of its amateur and professional branches.
So the longest-lived of all championships – it started on 2 February! – looks likely to extend even further, unless the Six Nations committee decides enough is enough.
After all, it’s barely fifteen weeks till the 2021 version would be scheduled to start.
Everyone concerned must continue this battle with uncertainty and frustration into early winter.
