Stade Francais have announced that their friendly against Toulon next week has been cancelled after some of their players suffered lung damage after testing positive for Covid-19.

The Parisian club last week confirmed that training had been cancelled as their playing squad and coaching staff have headed into isolation after 25 people tested positive for the coronavirus.

However, in a Wednesday update, Stade Francais confirmed in a statement that some of their players who tested positive have suffered lung damage and will, therefore, be placed on a week-long rest.

‘In light of the mandatory medical examinations for all players who have been diagnosed positive with the RT-PCR test for Covid-19, it appears that some of them are carriers of lung lesions due to the virus,’ the statement read.

‘These lesions require a period of complete rest estimated for the moment at a minimum of one week and which will be added to the fortnight already observed.

‘Other reviews are currently under way.

‘Once again, the club would like to thank all those who have shown their support during these last days.’

Stade Francais were set to play against Toulon in a friendly on 27 August, but for obvious medical reasons, the fixture has been called off.

The Top 14 league in France was due to start on the first weekend of September, with Stade Francais scheduled to play the Bordeaux Begles on 4 September.

However, with Covid-19 transmission levels rising in France, these plans might be scuppered.

There are also three French teams set to feature in the quarter-finals of the European Champions Cup, on 19 and 20 September, but these fixtures could possibly come into doubt now.

Photo: Getty Images