The opening match of the 2020-21 French Top 14 campaign between Stade Français and Bordeaux has been postponed due to the rise in Covid-19 cases.

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

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But following last week’s news that Stade’s playing squad and coaching staff have headed into isolation after 25 people affiliated to the club tested positive for Covid-19, the French league (LNR) authorities have announced that the game against Bordeaux would not go ahead as planned and will be rescheduled.

‘Players’ health is the absolute priority for professional rugby bodies,’ the LNR said.

Due to the rising Covid-19 transmission levels in France, Stade had asked the league to delay the match because of a lack of Covid-19 risk-free front rowers.

‘Stade Français were unable to name the required number of front-row players for this weekend in the conditions to guarantee the safety of players.’

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