France’s Grégory Alldritt and Antoine Dupont named Champions Cup Player of the Year

They definitely make the Gers shine wherever they go. Grégory Alldritt (Stade rochelais) and Antoine Dupont (Stade toulousain), who grew up together in Auch when they were younger, were nominated for the title of European player of the year, Wednesday May 3, by the European professional rugby union (EPCR). A reward that highlights the great season achieved by the third maritime center line and the Toulouse scrum half in the Champions Cup, the most important European competition. If, for the captain of the France team, the campaign ended last Saturday, the dreams of a historic double are still alive for the number 8 of La Rochelle.

Winner in 2021, the year of the Toulouse title, Dupont saw Leinster player Josh van der Flier receive the reward last year, despite La Rochelle’s victory in the final. First French to have won this distinction, the number 9 must certainly wish his friend to know such a destiny. Biggest ball carrier in the Champions Cup with 112 balls played by hand, Grégory Alldritt was still at ease and decisive on Sunday against Exeter in the semi-finals. One more proof that he is part of the European gratin.

To complete this selection, the two French players are accompanied by three players from Leinster, who defeated Toulouse in the semi-finals and future opponents of La Rochelle in the final, on May 20 in Dublin. Defending champion Josh van der Flier is once again present, alongside center Garry Ringrose and third row Caelan Doris.

The list of nominees, reduced to five names after having counted 15, was chosen by the members of a jury of experts, including Bryan Habana, Sarah Hunter, Elma Smit, Andy Goode and Dimitri Yachvili, as well as by the votes from nearly 20,000 fans. The winner will be known on the day of the Champions Cup final.