Fiji's Autumn Nations Cup game against Italy cancelled after 29 players test positive for Covid-19

Fiji's upcoming Autumn Nations Cup game against Italy to be played on Saturday becomes the latest match to be cancelled following the outbreak of Covid-19.

The decision follows after their 29 positive cases in the Fiji squad following the latest round of testing.

A statement released by the tournament organisers confirmed the cancellation of the game with the remainder of Fiji's game also now under review.

“The organiser of the Autumn Nations Cup today announced the cancellation of the Italy v Fiji match due to take place on Saturday 21st November 2020 in Ancona," read the statement.

“The decision was taken after the latest round of COVID-19 tests undertaken yesterday by the Fijian team returned 29 positive cases this morning.

“The tournament organiser remains in constant contact with the Fijian squad to address the situation. The main priority at present is the welfare of all players and management.

“The potential impact on Fiji’s remaining matches is currently under review.”

Earlier, Fiji's opening game against France was cancelled with five players tested positive for Covid-19 with the Les Bleus awarded 28-0 bonus point victory.

"Following last week’s cancellation of the France v Fiji match, The tournament organisers of the Autumn Nations Cup have confirmed a decision to award a 28-0 victory with Bonus Point to France," read the statement released on Tuesday.

"Whilst no fault has been apportioned to Fiji Rugby, the competition rules provide that if a team is primarily responsible for a match not taking place, a 28-0 victory will be awarded to the opposition that could have played the match.

"We wish the affected Fiji players well as they continue their recovery and are working closely with the Fiji team, to ensure that they are able to field a competitive team against Italy".