Antoine Dupont Cleared for Return Following Cheekbone Surgery, Eyes Rugby World Cup Quarter-Finals
Antoine Dupont Given Green Light to Return Following Cheekbone Surgery
Antoine Dupont, the captain of the French national rugby team, has been given the all-clear to resume playing after undergoing surgery for a fractured cheekbone.
The injury occurred during France’s dominant 96-0 victory over Namibia at the Rugby World Cup on September 21st. The French squad is set to face Italy on October 6th, and if they secure a top-two position in Pool A, they will advance to the quarter-finals scheduled for October 14th or 15th.
The French federation stated, “Antoine has been cleared to gradually resume physical activity,” emphasizing that he will be closely supervised by the national team’s medical staff.
Dupont was forced to leave the field in the 46th minute of the Namibia match following a head-on-head tackle by Johan Deysel, who was subsequently red-carded. Deysel received a five-match ban for the challenge.
With three victories in their pool matches thus far, France’s quarter-final qualification will be confirmed if they avoid defeat against Italy in Lyon. A fourth win would secure the hosts’ position as winners of Pool A.
William Servat, the team’s forwards coach, expressed confidence in Dupont’s recovery, stating that there is “no doubt” he will be ready to play in the quarter-finals. Servat further anticipated that the 26-year-old scrum-half from Toulouse would rejoin training on Sunday.
