Should Antoine Dupont be crowned world’s best player of the year by World Rugby, the International Federation, Friday, December 10? For Romain Ntamack, teammate of the 25-year-old scrum-half in club at Stade Toulousain as in the selection, the answer is clear.
“Everyone sees what they are doing on the pitches every weekend. It would be logical that it is Antoine who wins this trophy. I don’t see how it could be otherwise“Said the opening half of the Blues at a press conference on Wednesday, December 7th.
Winner of the Top 14 and the European Cup with Stade Toulousain, named best player of the Six Nations Tournament in 2020 with a XV of France of which he became captain in November, Antoine Dupont has serious arguments to win the bet . The Toulousain is preselected alongside English second row Maro Itoje and two Australians, third row Michael Hooper and center Samu Kerevi.
In the past, only two French people have received the prestigious distinction: Fabien Galthié, himself a former scrum half and current coach of the XV of France, in 2002 and Thierry Dusautoir in 2011.
“I think all rugby fans would vote for Antoine. We would all be proud of him“, thinks Romain Ntamack, who has been playing for three seasons as an opener alongside the number 9. Before launching with more conviction:”He’s going to be the best player in the world this year.“
Stade Toulousain coach Ugo Mola also clearly hinted that his protégé would receive the trophy, awarded since 2001. “I saw him take lots of pictures. So chances are he won“he said with a smile.
In addition, two French women could also be distinguished by the title of player of the year. Caroline Boujard and Laura Sansus are named alongside the English Zoe Aldcroft and Poppy Cleall.