Racing 92 have announced that they have returned a number of positive tests for coronavirus just over two weeks before their Champions Cup final against the Exeter Chiefs.

Reports in France state that nine people across the club’s playing and/or backroom staff must self-isolate, resulting in the postponement of their Top 14 league match against La Rochelle on Saturday.

The Parisians face Exeter in Bristol on 17 October, having edged out champions Saracens in the semi-finals last weekend.

‘Tests carried out on the entire professional group on Wednesday morning revealed several positive cases,’ a Racing statement read.

Although the identities of those affected have not been disclosed, it is a significant setback as the big-spending French heavyweights attempt to win their first European title in three appearances in the final.

‘I don’t know how we will be able to play next week in any case without training, then the European Cup. It’s a hard blow, but we’ll deal with it,’ club president Jacky Lorenzetti told French radio.

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