England players BANNED from facing France during Six Nations

Monday, 17 January 2022 at 15:45

byRugby Rucker

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.

Exeter Chiefs

@ExeterChiefs

·Follow

STATEMENT - @ExeterChiefs and @EnglandRugby centre @Sladey_10 issues personal statement following recent interview with a national newspaper ⬇️ exeterchiefs.co.uk/news/statement…

2:58 PM · May 28, 2021

1.0K

Read 169 replies

"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.

England’s shock Six Nations squad selections

England's Magnus Lund - Photo mandatory by-line: Phil Mingo/Pinnacle - Tel: +44(0)1363 881025 - Mobile:0797 1270 681 - VAT Reg No: 768 6958 48 - 11/02/2007 - SPORT - RUGBY UNION - RBS 6 NATIONS CHAMPIONSHIP - ENGLAND V ITALY - TWICKENHAM, LONDON

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.

Englands' Lesley Vainikolo about to push aside Wales Lee Byrne - photo mandatory by-line: Phil Mingo/Pinnacle - Tel: +44(0)1363 881025 - Mobile: 0797 1270 681 - 02/02/2008 - SPORT - RUGBY - RBS 6 Nations, ENGLAND V WALES, TWICKENHAM, LONDON

CONTINUES ON PAGE TWO

#2. Olly Morgan (2 caps)

Gloucester mainstay, Olly Morgan, won his first cap during England’s opening 2007 Six Nations fixture against Scotland.

After missing out on selection for England’s second game with Italy, Morgan made his second and final appearance during England’s 43-13 defeat to Ireland in Croke Park.

Gloucester's, Olly Morgan - Photo mandatory by-line:Phil Mingo/Pinnacle - Tel: +44(0)1363 881025 - Mobile:0797 1270 681 - VAT Reg No: 768 6958 48 - 05/11/2011 - SPORT - RUGBY UNION - Aviva Premiership - Exeter v Gloucester - Sandy Park Stadium, Exeter, Devon

#3. Magnus Lund (10 caps)

After being included in England’s 2006 Six Nations training squad, Magnus Lund maintained his place, earning 10 caps before moving to Biarritz in 2008.

#4. Ollie Devoto (2 caps)

The powerhouse centre was part of Eddie Jones first ever squad for the 2016 Six Nations, and made his debut in the Aussies first home match against Wales. Devoto wouldn't win his second cap until four years later as a replacement against France.

Ollie Devoto (England XV and Bath) - Photo mandatory by-line: Garry Bowden/Pinnacle - Tel: +44(0)1363 881025 - Mobile:0797 1270 681 - 010614 - SPORT - RUGBY UNION - England v Barbarians - Twickenham, London, England

#5. Shane Geraghty (6 caps)

The fly-half was capped by England at U21 and A-level, before making the first of his six Test appearances to date off the bench against France in the 2007 Six Nations.

On his England debut against France he scored a penalty and a conversion, which were only points he scored during his short international career.

Shane Geraghty of England (London Irish) - Photo mandatory by-line: Graeme Truby/Pinnacle - Tel: +44(0)1363 881025 - Mobile:0797 1270 681 - VAT Reg No: 183700120 - 31/05/2015 - SPORT - RUGBY UNION - England v Barbarians - Twickenham Stadium, Twickenham, London, England.