Professional rugby players, including England stars, who are not vaccinated against Covid-19 will not be able to play in France this year during the 2022 Six Nations.
The French government has passed a new law that requires any overseas travellers to be vaccinated if they are to visit many public places like restaurants, bars, stadiums and cafes.
And as such, professional athletes, similar to what their doing in Australia, will no longer be allowed to enter the country to compete if they have not had the vaccine, according to AFP.
Les Bleus have home games against Italy, Ireland and England this year with reports suggesting at least five England regulars haven’t been vaccinated.
“The rule is simple. The vaccine pass will be imposed, as soon as the law is promulgated, in establishments that were already subject to the health pass,” the ministry said.
“This will apply to everyone who is a spectator or a professional sportsperson. And this until further notice.
“Now, as far as Roland Garros [the next tennis Grand Slam Djokovic will hope to play in] is concerned, it’s in May. The situation may change between now and then and we hope that it will be more favourable.”
One of the players thought to have rejected the vaccine is Henry Slade following his comments earlier this year.
“I have had vaccines in the past and have fallen pretty unwell with them afterwards,” said the England centre.
“I don’t know if that has anything to do with the diabetes or not.
“I am going to stay away from this one.
“I just think there hasn’t been anywhere near enough testing to deem it safe.”
Diabetes UK “strongly encourages” anyone with the condition to get vaccinated.
“People with diabetes are vulnerable to developing a severe illness if they do get coronavirus, and vaccines are the most effective way to prevent that from happening,” its website states.
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As Eddie Jones prepares to name his Championship party, we look back at some bolters from the past who may have slipped from your memory.
#1. Lesley Vainikola (5 caps)
After enjoying a prolific spell with Gloucester, Vainikolo was called into England’s 2008 Six Nations squad.
After making his debut against Wales, the Samoan winger kept his place on the wing for the remainder of the Championship.
Nevertheless, he was dropped for England’s tour of New Zealand that summer and never earned another cap thereafter.
