Kristian Woolf gives thoughts on French vaccination rules

St Helens Head Coach Kristian Woolf believes the travel rules put in place by France could cause disruption in the Super League this season.

The French government announced earlier this week that sports players travelling into France will need to be fully vaccinated.

The subject of vaccination in sport has been at the forefront in recent weeks. Tennis star Novak Djokovic was denied entry to Australia over his vaccination status.

Woolf confirmed there are three players in the Saints squad who are unvaccinated, but says the club has plenty of time to work things out.

Woolf addresses “difficult situation”

He said: “It’s obviously going to cause disruption for everyone. I’m not quite sure what numbers are at every club, but we know that we’ve still got three out of a squad of 30, that have chosen not to be vaccinated.

“That’s a really difficult one for a lot of people. The guys in our squad that have chosen not to, they’ve got some strong reasons and strong beliefs as to why they shouldn’t have to take that route.

“It is unfortunately going to cause some difficulties throughout the year. In terms of travel to France, and in terms of the risk of close contacts, and the high risk of catching COVID.

“They’re all conversations that have been had, and things that we’re going to have to work around. And I’ll be very sure that most clubs have got similar situations, so it’s going to have an impact.

“The fact of the matter is that it’s happening in every sport. You’ve only got to look at what’s happened in Australia with the tennis.

“It’s a reality of what’s going on in the world at the moment. And something that we’re certainly gonna have to navigate through, and hope that it has minimal impact.”

Read More: Super League coach wants review into number of games played