English teams set to boycott fixtures in France

Strict French Covid-19 quarantine protocols have prompted English teams to threaten a boycott of upcoming Champions & Challenge Cup fixtures.  

Current French restrictions require visiting teams to quarantine for 48 hours upon arrival in the country while anyone returning a positive test will be forced to observe a 10-day period of isolation. 

Premiership sides Sale Sharks, Bath and Newcastle scheduled to honour fixtures this weekend against Clermont, La Rochelle and Biarritz respectively. 

The developments have, naturally, plunged the third rounds of European competition into doubt and it is understood that emergency negotiations are underway. 

More to follow.