As the French nation remains in mourning for their quarter final defeat at this year's World Cup, there are reports this week that the French 7s side is set to poach four players from the XV's squad ahead of the 2024 Olympics - including the star coup of French captain, Antoine Dupont.
Return of Antoine Dupont
The French captain made his return for Toulouse this past weekend, in a 43-34 win over Perpignan at home. Dupont was introduced off the bench, much to the delight of the home crowd in the Stade Ernest Wallon;
Welcome back Antoine Dupont
👏🏼 pic.twitter.com/hf1aDeP8qN— Darren (@SaffasRugby) November 11, 2023
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He was on the receiving end of a raised forearm from Perpignan outside centre, Aliverati Duguivalu. A heart stopping moment for Toulouse and French fans alike in the wake of Dupont fracturing his cheekbone just over a month ago against Namibia. Duguivalu was shown a yellow for the shot.
Carton jaune pour Duguivalu ! 🟨
Le perpignanais est coupable d’un coude dans la tête d’Antoine Dupont.
Ça nous rappelle des mauvais souvenirs… 😬 #STUSAP #TOP14 #Rugby #StadeToulousain #USAP #RugbyXV pic.twitter.com/5oqlIjc5sM— Le Top14 Pas Officiel (@Top14PasOff_Bis) November 11, 2023
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The latest news surrounding Dupont, however, will be a hammer blow to French 15s fans hoping to see a Six Nations triumph lift them out of their post-World Cup blues.
Gold medal ambitions for Paris 2024
On Sunday, Midi Olympique reported that Antoine Dupont, Arthur Vincent and Sekou Macalou are confirmed to be a part of the Paris 2024 French Rugby 7s squad, while Damien Penaud is said to be awaiting release from Union Bordeaux Begles. 20 year old, Louis Bielle-Biarrey, remains on stand by in case of Penaud's absence.
Le Midi Olympique révèle qu’en plus d’Antoine Dupont, trois autres joueurs du XV de France devrait disputer les JO 2024 :
Arthur Vincent
Sekou Macalou
Damian Penaud dont l’accord n’est pas formellement donné, et qui serait remplacé par Louis Bielle-Biarrey. pic.twitter.com/OVpHR1vqPQ— Gauthier Baudin (@GauthierBaudin) November 12, 2023
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However, it is seemingly likely that France's Olympic ambitions are to be to the detriment of the French XV's side. Le Parisian reported in the last week that France are likely to be without Dupont and his fellow 7s converts for the upcoming Six Nations, as they focus on claiming Olympic gold.
After Chris Jones reported the story on twitter, Sonja McLaughlin also commented that France will likely be without their captain for this year's championship.
Won’t see him during 6N. Olympic gold the focus now
— Sonja McLaughlan (@Sonjamclaughlan) November 13, 2023
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These reports have since been backed up by L'Équipe, who reported the story on Wednesday morning, all but confirming that Dupont will be missing for the Six Nations.
It is a massive boost to France's Six Nations rivals, including Ireland, who face a monumental opening day task with a Friday night game against the French in Marseille - Les Bleus' first home game since their World Cup exit.
Thoughts of Toulouse head coach
The Paris Olympics is a huge event for the French people and securing a gold in the rugby 7s is clearly to be one of the main goals for the olympic team. Toulouse coach, Ugo Mola, spoke on Dupont's reported 7s move;
“Antoine, Christophe Reigt and Jerome Daret and I have been talking. The Federation seems open [to it], as do the league and our president, too. All the indicators are green.
But there are other details to sort out, because a large part of the player’s wages are paid by the club.
We’re getting ready to spend half a season or a full season without him.”
With the Stade de France under renovations, ahead of the Paris Olympics, France are set to play their Six Nations games around the country with their opening game against Ireland at the Stade Velodrome in Marseille.
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