Top Ad
I DIG Radio
www.idigradio.com
Listen live to the best music from around the world!
I DIG Style
www.idigstyle.com
Learn about the latest fashion styles and more...

Antoine Dupont: France captain 'could make Rugby World Cup quarter-final return'

Written by 
Published in Rugby
Tuesday, 26 September 2023 10:24

There is "no doubt" that France captain Antoine Dupont could recover to play in a Rugby World Cup quarter-final, says forwards coach William Servat.

France face Italy next on 6 October and, should they top Pool A, will play their quarter-final nine days later.

Namibia captain Johan Deysel, who was sent off for making head-to-head contact in a tackle on Dupont, will miss his team's next five matches.

Deysel learned his sanction at an independent disciplinary committee hearing on Tuesday.

Dupont had surgery a day after sustaining his facial injury and Servat added that he expects the Toulouse scrum-half, 26, to return to training at the weekend.

"The operation went well, he is resting," said Servat. "He will be back training on Sunday. Friday and Saturday are days off for us, he will have time to return in that period of time.

"I have no doubt about his ability to play in the quarter-final."

France have won their first three pool matches and avoiding defeat by Italy in Lyon will confirm a quarter-final spot, while a fourth victory will send the hosts through as Pool A winners.

Deysel suspended

The disciplinary committee found that Deysel's "act of foul play" during the game in Marseille was "at the top end of the scale of seriousness of offending".

However, a potential 12-game ban was reduced by 50% because of mitigating factors, such as the player's apology to Dupont and his previous disciplinary record.

A further match will be removed from the suspension if Deysel takes part in the World Rugby coaching programme on tackling, which he has said he intends to do.

Speaking in the aftermath of Thursday's match, the centre said: "I would like to extend my best wishes to Antoine. Clearly, I meant no harm.

"Everything happened very quickly and I couldn't get my head out of the way quick enough, resulting in a head clash.

"I know the rules and immediately knew that I was at fault. I spoke with [France coach] Fabien Galthie immediately after the match and sent my best wishes and apologies to Antoine both personally and via the France team doctor.

"He is a great player and person and I wish him a speedy recovery."

Namibia have lost their first three pool matches and will exit the World Cup after their final group game against Uruguay on Wednesday (16:45 BST).

Read 175 times

Soccer

Source: Bayern's Müller rejects Cincinnati offer

Source: Bayern's Müller rejects Cincinnati offer

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsBayern Munich midfielder/forward Thomas Müller has rejected a contr...

NWSL MVP Tracker: Thompson leads USWNT in ranking, but other internationals dominate

NWSL MVP Tracker: Thompson leads USWNT in ranking, but other internationals dominate

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsThe 2025 NWSL season is already five weeks old, which can only mean...

Enzo Fernández: Mastantuono has future in Europe

Enzo Fernández: Mastantuono has future in Europe

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsChelsea midfielder Enzo Fernández believes River Plate teenage sens...

2026 FIFA


2028 LOS ANGELES OLYMPIC

UEFA

2024 PARIS OLYMPIC


Basketball

Mavs coach Kidd joins Everton ownership group

Mavs coach Kidd joins Everton ownership group

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsNBA Hall of Famer and Dallas Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd has jo...

Sources: Bucks, Horst reach multiyear extension

Sources: Bucks, Horst reach multiyear extension

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsThe Milwaukee Bucks and general manager Jon Horst have agreed to a...

Baseball

Negro Leagues museum seeking $30M expansion

Negro Leagues museum seeking $30M expansion

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsPHILADELPHIA -- Ryan Howard was a rookie with the Philadelphia Phil...

Crow-Armstrong stays hot vs. hometown Dodgers

Crow-Armstrong stays hot vs. hometown Dodgers

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsCHICAGO -- Most players are happy to be done facing the Los Angeles...

Sports Leagues

  • FIFA

    Fédération Internationale de Football Association
  • NBA

    National Basketball Association
  • ATP

    Association of Tennis Professionals
  • MLB

    Major League Baseball
  • ITTF

    International Table Tennis Federation
  • NFL

    Nactional Football Leagues
  • FISB

    Federation Internationale de Speedball

About Us

I Dig® is a leading global brand that makes it more enjoyable to surf the internet, conduct transactions and access, share, and create information.  Today I Dig® attracts millions of users every month.r

 

Phone: (800) 737. 6040
Fax: (800) 825 5558
Website: www.idig.com
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Affiliated