French rugby star Antoine Dupont rejoins the Les Bleus squad for the 2023 Six Nations, aiming to secure the championship title against a formidable Irish team seeking a historic three-peat.
French Olympic star Antoine Dupont will return to the Les Bleus squad for the 2023 Six Nations, aiming to prevent Ireland from achieving an unprecedented third consecutive championship title. Dupont, who sat out last year's tournament to concentrate on rugby sevens in preparation for the Paris Games, secured a gold medal at the Stade de France . His decision to prioritize the sevens competition proved fruitful, and his return to the XVs team is highly anticipated.
\'I'm happy to be back in this beautiful tournament,' said France captain Dupont. 'We've got a lot of ambition for this tournament, we have the potential to win it and I'm excited about that.' Dupont, a pivotal figure in France's 2022 Six Nations Grand Slam victory, led the team to triumphs against Japan, New Zealand, and Argentina during an undefeated November series. His leadership and exceptional skills are expected to significantly impact the team's performance. Head coach Fabien Galthie echoed the sentiment, stating, 'He's got such an aura that has a big impact on the squad so his return is important for us.' \France faces a formidable challenge in the form of a powerful Irish team seeking to become the first to win the title three years in a row since the tournament expanded to six teams in 2000. Ireland, currently ranked second globally, is navigating an unusual scenario with Simon Easterby in interim charge while head coach Andy Farrell is temporarily assigned to the British and Irish Lions for their Australian tour later this year. Easterby emphasized the importance of his team maintaining its position at the forefront, stating, 'The challenge for this team is to stay ahead of the pack -- a message reinforced by skipper Caelan Doris. 'If we don't keep improving then someone else will take the reins,' Doris said. 'We've got England at home first up (on February 1) and it's hard to look beyond that for now.'
RUGBY SIX NATIONS ANTOINE DUPONT FRANCE IRELAND CHAMPIONSHIP
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Dupont Returns as France Aims to Stop Ireland's Six Nations DominanceFrance captain Antoine Dupont is back for the 2023 Six Nations, aiming to thwart Ireland's bid for a record third consecutive title. The star scrumhalf returns after a gold medal winning performance at the rugby sevens at the Paris Games. Ireland faces challenges with caretaker coach Simon Easterby leading the side while Andy Farrell is with the British & Irish Lions. Meanwhile, Wales seeks to break their losing streak and England grapples with injuries ahead of their opener against Ireland.
Read more »
Dupont Returns to Southern Hemisphere After Eight YearsAntoine Dupont, one of the world's best rugby players, will play in Durban against the Sharks for the first time since his debut for France in 2017.
Read more »
Six Nations Squads Unveiled: A Clash of Titans Set for Rugby GloryThe article unveils the squads for the 2023 Six Nations Championship, highlighting notable players, captaincy appointments, and the fierce competition expected from each team. It provides insights into the strengths and weaknesses of each squad, setting the stage for an unforgettable tournament.
Read more »
Toulouse's Champions Cup Triumph Sets Stage for Six Nations SuccessFrance captain Antoine Dupont believes Toulouse's dominant victory over Leicester Tigers in the Investec Champions Cup was the perfect preparation for the upcoming Six Nations tournament. The 80-12 win saw Dupont score two of Toulouse's 12 tries, with other teammates also performing strongly. This victory comes after a record-breaking performance by Damian Penaud in another match, highlighting the strength and momentum of French rugby heading into the Six Nations.
Read more »
Six Nations 2025: Squad Lists Released, Title Race Heats UpThe 2025 Six Nations tournament kicks off on January 31st, featuring a closely contested title race between Ireland, France, and England. Explore the official squad lists and prepare for an exciting clash of rugby titans.
Read more »
O'Toole Suspended for Ireland's First Two Six Nations TestsUlster prop Tom O'Toole has been handed a six-game suspension for dangerous play, ruling him out of Ireland's opening two Six Nations matches.
Read more »