The French scrum half was operated on on September 22 for a maxillo-zygomatic fracture suffered against Namibia.
A few runs at moderate intensity and passes made without forcing under the sun of Aix-en-Provence (Bouches-du-Rhône): Antoine Dupont once again set foot on a rugby field, Sunday October 1, in individual training in margin of the XV of France, according to a video posted by the tricolors on X (ex-Twitter). This first return comes exactly ten days after his maxillo-zygomatic fracture suffered during France’s big victory over Namibia (96-0).
For the French star, the last few days have seemed like a race against time. Operated on Friday September 22, the day after his injury, he continued his convalescence until Friday and the green light from his surgeon to join his teammates in the Aix city. “Following the post-operative medical examination taking place on Friday, Antoine was authorized to resume directed progressive physical activity. This activity will be carried out under the supervision of the medical staff of the XV of France”announced the French Rugby Federation in a press release this Saturday.
“Welcome to Antoine, back among us”
Antoine Dupont joined his teammates on Saturday in Aix-en-Provence. In images broadcast on TF1 on Sunday, the scrum half appeared smiling and relaxed, his right eye black, greeting his teammates one by one at the hotel. “Welcome to Antoine, back among us”launched the manager of the XV of France, Raphaël Ibanez, at the start of a meeting, before a collective departure for training in which Antoine Dupont did not participate.
>> Rugby World Cup: is Antoine Dupont’s return for the quarter-finals reasonable?
The French XV must qualify next Friday by beating Italy, in Lyon, for their last group match. The Blues playing master should not be present on the field, according to the final group match against Italyaccording to the team’s health manager, Bruno Boussagol. “I don’t think we can see it against Italy, I’m convinced of that.” If the Blues qualify, on the other hand, his tenure or his entry into play cannot be ruled out. “We’re not looking beyond next week. For the quarter-final? We can’t ask ourselves that question yet. There are so many things to validate.”he explained at a press conference on Thursday.