Antoine Dupont will make a much-awaited return to the Six Nations after a one-year hiatus that cemented his standing as one in every of France’s high athletes, hoping Les Bleus can win the match on the again of an ideal autumn sequence.
Dupont skipped final yr’s championship to deal with Rugby Sevens, and ended up taking gold within the Paris Olympics after his rugby union teammates completed second within the Six Nations.
“It was not straightforward to look at the fellows on TV however I had different targets. I am completely satisfied to be again on this stunning match,” Dupont mentioned on the Six Nations launch on Tuesday.
“We have loads of ambition for this match, we have now the potential to win it and I am enthusiastic about that,” the 2022 and 2023 participant of the match added.
“He’s our captain and he’s again with all his potential. He is received such an aura that has a huge impact on the squad so his return is vital for us,” mentioned France coach Fabien Galthie.
Dupont was generally close to his finest as he skipped France to victories towards Japan, New Zealand and Argentina in November and he’ll once more associate with fly-half Romain Ntamack, who’s again after a prolonged absence following accidents.
“We had an excellent sequence in November and now we have now to maintain occurring from this and maintain this momentum for the Six Nations,” scrumhalf Dupont mentioned.
France, who achieved the Grand Slam in 2022, have completed second in all the opposite editions since 2020.
“There may be loads of stress for us to win the Six Nations, we will really feel it, but it surely’s good stress,” Galthie added.
France kick off their marketing campaign on Jan. 31 at residence towards Wales.
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