England’s Eddie Jones to self-isolate

England Rugby will be without head coach Eddie Jones for the start of Six Nations training after being told to self-isolate. Jones had come into contact with forwards coach Matt Proudfoot who has recently tested positive. Proudfoot is currently showing no symptoms. The positive case was caught during pre-tournament screening, along with Jones attack coach Simon Amor has also been identified as a close contact. Both will be self-isolating for the next 10 days in accordance with government guidelines. England training camp was due to begin next Wednesday, both Jones and Armor will be able to join camp from the 28th onwards if they test negative.

Matt Proudfoot has tested positive for COVID-19 and is self-isolating.

Eddie Jones and Simon Amor are also now self-isolating for a 10 day period having been identified as contacts.

Following further negative tests, Jones and Amor will join the squad on 28 Jan. More ⬇️

— England Rugby (@EnglandRugby) January 20, 2021

The news comes just a day after Bath Rugby players and staff were told to isolate after a number of players and coaching staff testing positive. Team training has been cancelled for the meantime and the closure of the clubs training ground. The announcement from Bath Rugby sends further shockwaves through the England camp, any players selected from the English Premiership team will also miss the beginning of camp. A statement from Bath Rugby and Chief Executive Tarquin Mcdonald read, “Our immediate focus is taking care of our people and stopping the spread of the Virus. We are in regular communication with Premiership Rugby and Public Health England as we manage the situation. We will return to training but only when it is safe and appropriate to do so.” The positive cases within the England camp and Premiership teams comes at a time of uncertainty following the French government forcing European Cup fixtures to be canclled due to virus cases in the U.K. Further questioning whether France will be involved in this years Six Nations tournament.