The captain of the XV of France is in the running to obtain the distinction for the second time in his career, after 2021.
Antoine Dupont is among the nominees for the title of world player of the year, which will be awarded on Sunday in Paris at the end of the World Cup, World Rugby announced on Thursday October 26. The scrum half and captain of the Zeeland Ardie Savea.
In 2023, Antoine Dupont will once again shine, being voted best player of the Six Nations Tournament, before becoming champion of France with Stade Toulouse. His individual exploits, however, were not enough for the Blues, second in the Six Nations, then eliminated by one point in the quarter-final of the World Cup by South Africa.
The name of the world player of the year will be revealed during a ceremony at the Opéra Garnier, the day after the World Cup final between New Zealand and South Africa. The coaches of these two teams, Ian Foster and Jacques Nienaber, are applying for the title of coach of the year with those of Ireland Andy Farrell and Fiji Simon Raiwalui.
Bielle-Biarey and Penaud also in the running for trophies
Two other French people, in addition to Dupont, were nominated in the different categories: the young winger Louis Bielle-Biarrey among the revelations of the year, and Damian Penaud for the best try, thanks to the one scored against Ireland in the last Six Nations Tournament.
The women’s rugby union awards will be awarded later, at the end of the WXV, a new international tournament created by World Rugby which will end on November 4.
Player of the Year: Bundee Aki (IRL), Antoine Dupont, Eben Etzebeth (AFS), Ardie Savea (NZL)
Coach of the Year: Andy Farrell (IRL), Ian Foster (NZL), Jacques Nienaber (AFS), Simon Raiwalui (FID)
Male revelation of the year: Louis Bielle-Biarrey, Manie Libbok (AFS), Mark Tele’a (NZL), Tamaiti Williams (NZL)
Male Test of the Year: Duhan van der Merwe (Scotland, against England on February 4), Damian Penaud (against Ireland on February 11), Hugo Keenan (Ireland, against France on February 11), Vinaya Habosi (Fiji, against Georgia on October 1st)
Day 2: Damian Penaud puts France in the lead with a phenomenal counterattack
The Blues do not wait long to react in Ireland. On the counter-attack, Damian Penaud pierces the first curtain then Anthony Jelonch relays him before giving back to the first who offers a decisive final sprint. France takes the advantage 13-7 after the transformation of Thomas Ramos. – ()