Star France scrum-half Antoine Dupont has tested positive for Covid-19, the French Rugby Federation (FFR) announced onFriday, making him a doubt for next weekend's Six Nations home match against Scotland.
Dupont returned a positive result after head coach Fabien Galthie was placed in isolation earlier this week ahead of the fixture with the Scots in Paris on February 28.
In-form Dupont, 24, will need to return a negative result during the nextround of testing to be able to face Gregor Townsend's men next Sunday.
Eleven other squad members, including captain Charles Ollivon, were negative.
"Following the first PCR tests undertaken on the morning of Friday, February 19, the first 12 showed 11 negative results," the FFR said.
"Today he (Dupont) is asymptomatic. In line with the Covid-19 protocol he will remain in isolation over the next days," it added.
The federation later added that the isolation period will be for seven days.
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Toulouse's Dupont has scored a try and assisted four others as Galthie'sside lead the Six Nations table after two wins, including last Sunday's 15-13 victory in Ireland.
Les Bleus are eyeing a first title since 2010 and have never claimed a Six Nations Grand Slam in a campaign with trips to Dublin an Twickenham.
"It's the big blow for France. We imagine that there are other players areat risk of being positive for Covid so we hope it won't be too significant for France who absolutely need guys like him," ex-France lock Jerome Thion told Canal+.
"We know very well he's France's master of play," he added.
Following the 50-10 victory in Italy, where Dupont crossed, New Zealand scrum-half Aaron Smith said Dupont was "on another level" compared to other players around the world.
