Antoine Dupont miraculously given ‘go-ahead’ to return to training

France captain Antoine Dupont has been cleared to return to training after successful surgery on his facial injury.

The superstar Frenchman was in outstanding form against Namibia but took a nasty tackle to the face which saw him leave the field looking visibly uncomfortable.

The initial assessment revealed he had suffered a maxillo-zygomatic fracture which looked to be ruling him out until at least the semi-final stage should France have made it. Les Bleus have also looked into the possibility of the key man wearing a mask.

Remarkable news

However, now in a turn of fantastic news for French fans, the team confirmed Dupont will return to training under close supervision. He will also have to observe HIA (Head Injury Assessment) protocols.

“Antoine has been given the go-ahead to resume physical activity taking it step by step,” the statement read.

“This activity will take place under the supervision of the French national team’s medical staff.”

France have one last pool game to go against Italy which Dupont is unlikely to play in with the scrum-half expected to target the quarter-finals for his return to action. Maxime Lucu is best placed to take over from the Toulouse man for the game against the Azzurri.

If the hosts claim a win over Italy they will are set to face the defending champion Springboks in the first knockout stage, which will make for a brilliant clash and one head coach Fabien Galthie will be desperate to have his captain available for.

🤕 Brad Barritt has weighed in on Antoine Dupont's injury. #RWC2023

— Planet Rugby (@PlanetRugby) September 30, 2023

Final pool stage fixture

Friday 6 October: France v Italy – 8 pm, Parc OL, Lyon
Referee: Karl Dickson (RFU)
Assistant Referees: Luke Pearce (RFU), Craig Evans (WRU)
TMO: Marius Jonker (SARU)

READ MORE: All Blacks thrash Italy, scoring 96 points in statement Rugby World Cup victory