Athletes who wish to compete in France will have to be vaccinated against Covid-19, government sources confirmed on Monday.

This appears to contradict what sports minister Roxana Maracineanu said last week, that certain events – such as the French Open – had special exemption, when asked whether Novak Djokovic could play in the tournament.

For ordinary citizens entering France it is not obligatory to be vaccinated but will be for those wishing to enter an establishment which has a public attendance (ERP).

Major events like the French Open previously permitted non-vaccinated athletes to compete as they operated a health bubble around the tournament.

The first major event to be directly affected would be the upcoming Six Nations championship during which France will host Italy (6 February), Ireland (12 February) and England (19 March).

English, Welsh clubs threaten to boycott France fixtures

The Springboks are also scheduled to tour France for a Test against Les Bleus on 12 November, with the Wallabies set to play there a week later on 19 November.

© Agence France-Presse