Antoine Dupont, the thunderbolt?

Revolution in sight in the world of ovals? The Times revealed this week that a new rugby competition was being created, the aim of which is to compete with the Top 14, the Premiership or the Champions Cup.

The format? Eight teams, which would compete over a period of 15 weeks, without being attached to a particular city or region. The teams would go from country to country, to create major events, in the style of F1, which moves from circuit to circuit throughout the year. Large cities and large stadiums would thus be targeted.

Antoine Dupont is coveted

The matches would take place outside international windows, which would allow players to join this competition without having to turn their back on their selection. And to attract them, there would obviously be good salaries on offer, with funds coming from the United States and the Middle East, similar to what can be done in golf with the very lucrative LIV circuit.

The organizers have already targeted many internationals, notably large southern nations such as Australia, South Africa and New Zealand. European players are particularly coveted, and the Telegraph cites the name of Finn Russell and especially that of Antoine Dupont. Could the captain of the XV of France, who won everything with Stade Toulousain, be tempted by this new challenge? If this were the case, it would be a big blow for this new competition.