French rugby superstar Antoine Dupont is set to make his return to the Top 14 this Saturday as Toulouse face Clermont. The 27-year-old scrumhalf, who recently led France to an Olympic rugby sevens gold medal, is expected to provide a much-needed lift for the reigning champions after a shaky start to the season.
Toulouse head coach Ugo Mola expressed his excitement about Dupont’s return, emphasizing the impact his presence has on the team:
“[What] he gives to all his teammates through the trust he evokes, what he generates… we must not underestimate this,” Mola said.
Dupont, who last played for Toulouse in their Top 14 final victory over Bordeaux-Begles in June, will be returning to the pitch after a two-and-a-half-month hiatus. His teammate Dimitri Delibes acknowledged the positive effect of Dupont’s comeback on the squad:
“The first person to be happy about this return is obviously him. After two and a half months, he was a little fed up,” said Delibes. “It gives the group a bit of a boost. He is one of the leaders of the team. He always has the right word, always the right advice.”
A Stellar Year for Dupont
Following his Olympic triumph on home soil, Dupont was named Top 14’s Player of the Season for the 2023-24 campaign. During his break from rugby, he spent time in the United States, where he met with global sports icons, including Lionel Messi and LeBron James. Dupont also visited the Los Angeles Chargers’ NFL facility, making the most of his time off the field.
However, Mola highlighted Dupont’s commitment to training even while on holiday, which underscores the scrumhalf’s dedication as he gears up for France’s November Tests against Japan, New Zealand, and Argentina:
“He knows that and he works accordingly. Maybe that’s one of the reasons why he doesn’t hang out too much on holiday,” Mola explained, adding that Dupont is always “pushing the cursor” and aware of the expectations placed upon him.
Crucial Return for Struggling Champions
Toulouse’s season has gotten off to a rough start, with two consecutive losses. A narrow 16-12 defeat to Bordeaux-Begles, marking their first home loss since February 2022, was followed by a 28-23 setback against Castres. These results have left Toulouse in fifth place in the Top 14 standings, having won only three of their opening five matches.
Mola hopes Dupont’s return, alongside versatile Argentine international Juan Cruz Mallia, will spark a turnaround for the team.
“It’s good to see the two again. They bring that confidence and that little extra,” said lock Joshua Brennan.
While Toulouse’s squad is optimistic, Clermont fly-half Benjamin Urdapilleta joked about Dupont’s return:
“He couldn’t have waited another week? We don’t have any luck,” Urdapilleta remarked with a laugh on French radio.
This weekend’s Top 14 action also features leaders Bordeaux-Begles hosting Perpignan, second-placed La Rochelle traveling to Bayonne, and Racing 92 seeking a crucial win against third-placed Toulon.
