Fans shut out of Six Nations 2021 matches in Paris

NEWS: France will play their two home matches in the 2021 Six Nations behind closed doors because of the coronavirus pandemic, the president of the French Rugby Federation announced on Tuesday.

"We must play four matches behind closed doors this fall, plus two more during the Six Nations tournament, in February and March," said Bernard Laporte.

France are due to host Scotland on February 28 and Wales on March 20 at the 80 000-seat Stade de France in Paris.

"The shortfall, just for the French Rugby Federation, will be 34 million euros [$40 million]," said Laporte.

"It is a third of our budget. I remind you that we have 300 employees. It is often said that we are an association but we are a company."

Last week France had to cancel a Nations Cup match against Fiji in Vannes because of positive COVID-19 tests among the Fijian players.