French talisman Antoine Dupont is a step closer to featuring in this week’s blockbuster Rugby World Cup quarter-final against South Africa.
The French maestro – deemed crucial to France’s chances of lifting the William Webb Ellis Cup on home soil – suffered a broken right cheekbone following a head clash against Namaiba in pool play.
After surgery, it appeared touch and go if Dupont would be able to continue to live out his World Cup dreams.
But the French Rugby Federation gave a positive update on Monday morning, revealing that Dupont had been given the all-clear to resume full contact training with France by the surgeon who conducted the procedure.
HUGE NEWS FROM FRANCE!
— Jared Wright (@jaredwright17) October 9, 2023
Antoine Dupont has been cleared to return to training.
France Rugby state that the scrum-half obtained authorization to resume rugby training today from his surgeon.
He is on track to face #RSA in the quarters.#RWC2023 #FRAvRSA pic.twitter.com/BtWOj57pi8
Last week, France’s health manager Bruno Boussagol said the scrumhalf will be gradually introduced to training should he be cleared to play.
“If he gets the green light to play with contact again we will resume gradually and then we will need to see how the players react, if he’s 100% fit and if he has any apprehension,” said Boussagol at the time.
“Finally, the coaches will decide. It is not because he is on the (training) pitch that he will play the game.”
