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Scotland rugby squad forced into isolation after positive Covid tests

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Scotland's entire squad and coaching staff have been forced to self-isolate after their 'A' international against England was postponed following a coronavirus outbreak.

A total of nine players had to self-isolate following one positive Covid test late last week and the game in Leicester was called off on Sunday, hours before kick-off, after three further positive cases.

"The Scotland men's squad and management team will take a break from training camp to self-isolate following consultation with Scottish government medical advisers," a Scottish Rugby Union statement said on Monday.

"The playing group and management team will return to training next week pending a full round of negative PCR test results."

Scotland are due to go on tour to face Romania on July 10 and Georgia seven days later in full internationals and the decision to halt their training camp is a blow to their preparations.

"We've made the decision to take a break from training camp, during which period all players and management will self-isolate regardless of whether they've been deemed a close contact of positive cases," said Scotland interim head coach Mike Blair.

"It's obviously been a difficult few days. However, the health and wellbeing of our squad and management is the number-one priority and that remains paramount in our decision-making process."

Blair is standing in for Gregor Townsend, who is on duty with the British and Irish Lions.

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