France star Antoine Dupont is reportedly facing up to nine months out on the sidelines after suffering a serious knee injury in the 42-27 win against Ireland at the Six Nations. Reports state an initial assessment of Dupont’s injured right leg found that the 28-year-old has ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), which would rule out Les Bleus’ skipper for between six to nine months. According to Planet Rugby, who cite sources ‘close to the French camp’, team doctors believe that Dupont has sustained a rupture. He will require an MRI scan to confirm their diagnosis, although medical staff are confident that their prediction is correct, especially after Dupont apparently heard a ‘snap’ at the point of impact.
The scrum-half looked visibily emotional as he gingerly limped off the pitch at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin on Saturday following an incident in the 29th minute of the game. Ireland lock Tadhg Beirne, who appeared to be pushed by his team-mate Andrew Porter, fell on Dupont’s right leg, causing it to buckle. Despite his protests to the officials to review the challenge, play continued and the stricken France star required treatment on the pitch. He was later helped off the field of play and replaced by Maxime Lucu.
Dupont will miss the rest of the Six Nations tournament in what will prove to be a blow to France’s hopes of lifting the trophy. They are two points clear of Ireland at the top of the standings with only one game left to play, but Dupont is a key pillar in how Fabien Galthie’s side operate.
He is also set to miss the rest of Toulouse’s season at club level, as ACL injuries typically require a period of six to nine months for a total recovery. Ruptures can also lead to extended periods on the sidelines, and Dupont may have played his final game of 2025 as he sweats over the results of his scan.
France boss Galthie was left furious by the incident that effectively ended Dupont’s season and criticised the lack of action from the officials, as well as demanding an explanation for another issue involving Calvin Nash.
“There is a suspicion of a quite serious knee injury to Antoine,” said Galthie. “He is suffering – let’s say it how it is. I don’t want to go into details, mainly due to medical confidentiality. We have cited two players – Tadhg Beirne and Andrew Porter – in our post-match report.
“We have also highlighted Nash to the citing commissioner for Pierre-Louis Barassi, who did not respond well to the HIA (head injury assessment) protocol. We are angry and we want an explanation. We must protect our players. There are rules, regulations. I do not want to pass judgment on the quality of refereeing today.”
While France await the full extent of Dupont’s report, Galthie has wasted no time in drafting a replacement for their final Six Nations fixture against Scotland on Saturday, March 15.
Baptiste Serin has been called into the squad to fill the void. The scrum-half had been overlooked by Galthie due to competition in the heightened competition at scrum-half. But Dupont’s withdrawal from the squad will see the RC Toulon star get his reward for his fine form at club level.
