It is a title that does not take up space in the trophy cabinet, but in the hearts of the French. The country's best-known Rugby player, Antoine Dupont, lost a place to another Toulouse resident. This Sunday, December 22, the latest sports barometerOdoxapour Winamax et RTLwas published. It allows you to find out about the general public's favorite athletes and events.
Freshly Olympic champion, Antoine Dupont breaks a huge popularity record for a French rugby player
Marchand in front of Dupont, Toulouse duel
Thus, Léon Marchand seems to become the new darling of French sport. Multiple medalist at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, the swimmer outperforms other athletes. It is favored by 44% of respondents.
Behind him, Antoine Dupont is secondtied with judo legend Teddy Riner. The two athletes received 12% of the votes. This beautiful place for the scrum half at the Toulousain stadium nevertheless shows the great enthusiasm of French rugby.
''Everyone called him crazy'', the day Dupont realized he was wrong with rugby sevens
The VI Nations Tournament and its new status
Another indicator which pleads this cause, the Six Nations Tournament is one of the favorite sporting events of the French. Logically, the Olympic and Paralympic Games have given it priority over the year 2024.
For its part, the main European rugby competition is the most popular annual event, tied with the Tour de France. Despite the mixed performance of the XV of France and the absence of Antoine Dupont, they were highlighted by 18% of respondents.
RUGBY. What if the 6 Nations Tournament left France Télévisions for TF1?
Notable fact, the VI Nations Tournament even goes far beyond its footballing equivalent: the Euro. Yet rarer, therefore possibly more anticipated, the competition which saw Didier Deschamps' Blues only appeal to 12% of the general public.
Unfortunately, if there is a survey where the oval ball does not shine, it is the one dedicated to women's sport. Indeed, female rugby players are absent from this ranking. Little known to the general public, the players of the French XV could nevertheless take advantage of the Women's Rugby World Cup next summer to restore this image.
Rugby. Under the Canal+ spotlight, the women’s Stade Toulousain sweeps away the Louves
