Antoine Dupont Photo: Photosport
Antoine Dupont will make a much-awaited return to the Six Nations after a one-year hiatus that cemented his status as one of France's top athletes, hoping Les Bleus can win the tournament on the back of a perfect autumn series.
Dupont skipped last year's championship to focus on Rugby Sevens, and ended up taking gold in the Paris Olympics after his rugby union teammates finished second in the Six Nations.
France’s Antoine Dupont races away from the Fiji defence for a try in the gold medal final at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Photo: World Rugby / Mike Lee / KLC
"It was not easy to watch the guys on TV but I had other objectives. I'm happy to be back in this beautiful tournament," Dupont said at the Six Nations launch, ahead of next week's start to the tournament.
"We've got a lot of ambition for this tournament, we have the potential to win it and I'm excited about that," the 2022 and 2023 player of the tournament added.
"He is our captain and he is back with all his potential. He's got such an aura that has a big impact on the squad so his return is important for us," said France coach Fabien Galthie.
Dupont was sometimes near his best as he skipped France to victories against Japan, New Zealand and Argentina in November and he will again partner with first five-eighth Romain Ntamack, who is back after a lengthy absence following injuries.
"We had a good series in November and now we have to keep going on from this and keep this momentum for the Six Nations," halfback Dupont said.
Antoine Dupont in the France v South Africa Rugby World Cup quarter final on 15 October 2023. Photo: Photosport / Andrew Cornaga
France, who achieved the Grand Slam in 2022, have finished second in all the other editions since 2020.
"There is a lot of pressure for us to win the Six Nations, we can feel it, but it's good pressure," Galthie added.
France kick off their campaign on 31 January at home against Wales.
- Reuters
