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Antoine Dupont: France captain receives surgery on facial injuries and will return to Rugby World Cup squad
Antoine Dupont has jaw surgery and will return to France’s Rugby World Cup squad for a gradual rehabilitation; the French federation has not said whether the captain will play again in the competition.
After undergoing surgery on his fractured jaw, France captain Antoine Dupont will return to the country’s Rugby World Cup squad.
The 27-year-old suffered the injury during his team’s triumph over Namibia, when he collided with Johan Deysel, whose first yellow card was elevated to a red after a bunker review.
France sought expert guidance, and their captain has since undergone fracture surgery.
The French Rugby Federation (FFR) acknowledged Dupont’s return to the squad, but did not indicate whether he will play again at the competition.
“Following his injury sustained during the France-Namibia match, Antoine Dupont underwent surgery on Sept. 22 at around 11 p.m. at Toulouse’s Purpan University.”
“In a few days’ time, he will be able to return to the French team as part of a gradual sporting recovery under medical supervision.”
Dupont, the world player of the year in 2021, will most likely not be sorely missed when France plays Italy in two weeks on October 6.
However, his absence for the quarter-finals might be crucial, with France set to face either top-ranked Ireland or defending champion and No. 2 South Africa.
Dupont surgery may result in a quick recovery and return for Sky Sports News correspondent James Cole:
“Dupont’s injury will be a major concern for France and French rugby fans because he is such an important player – the captain, the talisman.”
“However, surgery could be good news because Dan Lydiate, the Welsh flanker, had a similar operation on his eye socket in 2015.”
“He injured it against Fiji, had surgery to insert a metal plate into his eye socket, and returned two games later for the quarter-final against South Africa.”
“So there is a precedent there for players who face injuries at World Cups; that’s the good news potentially for Dupont, and what the fans will be hoping for.”
