What if Antoine Dupont missed out on the title of best player in the world this year? Answer in just under two weeks now, November 24. In total, fourteen prizes will be awarded during this evening organized by World Rugby, the international federation which elects its president this Thursday. For Antoine Dupont, it would be difficult to understand because the captain of Stade Toulousain and the XV of France won everything this season at club level, the Champions Cup and the Top 14 before being crowned Olympic champion with the French 7s team. last summer in Paris.
But this is what is likely to happen, and this for the 3rd year in a row. Since his coronation in 2021, the highest individual distinction has eluded him. This year, objectively, he made the screen but he only participated in one match with the XV of France. It was against Japan last Saturday at the Stade de France which greatly reduces their chances if we refer to World Rugby regulations. Since, as you know, our national Toto brilliantly won his Olympic bet last summer.
A title at 7 despite everything?
On the other hand, his gold medal could lead him to lift another trophy in ten days. That of the best player in the world at 7. Thibault Geffrotin is a commentator on Canal + and Eurosport. The journalist specializing in rugby in particular has just released a book published by Talent Sport entitled “Stade Toulousain, les seigneurs de l'ovalie” in which he looks back on the incredible season at Stade Toulousain. And for him, it would be unthinkable that Antoine Dupont was not distinguished this year in view of what he achieved in 2024.
“I would not understand that when a Dupont could not be crowned. Besides, I put photos of Dupont everywhere in the book with his red and black jersey, with the jersey of the French team with his gold medal. What Antoine Dupont does on a rugby field No one can do it today. What has shown us over the past year It is a feast for the eyes. . Son this this role which he had in addition in this French team where he was not a starter, he arrived with this role at the end of the match for everything. people who watched the matches on TV knew Antoine Dupont and didn't know the other players. But he had this intelligence in addition to integration into this team and I think that's what made him this high-class player. and that he is a high class player on the terrain but also in his behavior.”
A first in history
It will be up to the jury made up of former players and coaches and journalists to vote. More than a consolation prize for our “super Dupont” who could become the first crowned best player in the world at 15 and 7. The nominees will be revealed next Monday. Awards ceremony on Sunday November 24 during a gala evening in Monaco. It will be two days after the last test of the fall tour of the XV of France against the Argentine Pumas. The Blues who, after Japan, host the vice-world champions the All Blacks on Saturday 9:10 p.m. at the Stade de France.
Thibault Geffrotin will be signing at Fnac Wilson in Toulouse on November 22 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
France
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