Fiji’s third Autumn Nations Cup match cancelled as Scotland game called off due to covid outbreak

Fiji’s third Autumn Nations Cup match against Scotland next weekend has been cancelled, raising the chances of the Pacific Island nation failing to make a single appearance in the one-off tournament after games against France and Italy were also scrapped.

A decision has been taken to cancel the match after 29 positive coronavirus test results were returned within the Fiji camp earlier this week, with their 10-day isolation period meaning they cannot field a squad for this weekend’s scheduled match against Italy.

It would also leave them desperately short on time to prepare for next weekend’s final group game against Scotland, leaving the organisers of the Autumn Nations Cup little option than to cancel their third match.

It’s hoped that should the infection be contained within the squad, Fiji could still play a part in the tournament on the final weekend against whichever team finishes bottom in Pool A, although a further review will need to be carried out before they can go ahead with the match.

An Autumn Nations Cup statement read: “Organisers of the Autumn Nations Cup today announced the cancellation of the Scotland vs Fiji fixture due to take place at BT Murrayfield on 28th November 2020.

READ MORE: Autumn Nations Cup fixtures and results

“The extent of infection in the Fiji camp, combined with a minimum 10-day isolation period, plus the obvious need for suitable preparation for any international Test match meant that, whilst difficult, the decision was unavoidable.

“The tournament organisers remain in constant contact with the Fijian squad regarding their wellbeing and recovery which continues to be the number one priority.

“The Fiji team and the organisers are hopeful that the fourth match on 5th December against the team that will finish in 4th place in Pool A will be able to take place, subject to checks on fitness levels once the players come out of isolation and following all appropriate protocols.”

The outbreak has cost Fiji their shot on the biggest stage outside of the Rugby World Cup, having been brought into the competition alongside Georgia to expand the Six Nations for an autumn tournament as New Zealand, Australia, Argentina and South Africa were unable to commit to their European tours due to the coronavirus pandemic.

But there was little sympathy from their opponent camps, with England defence coach John Mitchell admitting it was of little concern to them beyond the fact that it reminded them of the dangers of not following the coronavirus protocols.

"We have a wonderful environment here in the way that we live and learn, so we are very fortunate,” Mitchell said on Friday.

“It is unfortunate for Fiji, clearly. Obviously not having a base like we have, their base is probably provided for them, so like anything when you are in these sort of situations you have to be very vigilant and thorough about how you go about things. You also have to be very clear on what the right behaviours are as well.

"All we are focussed on is Ireland and getting the right performance, and that is all that matters. So, seriously, what is happening to other teams is not our situation to get involved in or even think about, to be totally fair.

“ Our focus is about what is in front of us. These days, as you see with Covid, if you take your eyes off the road things can happen, so all we can is focus on performance."