While some observers have pointed out his nomination for the title of best rugby sevens player, David Mélé, coach of Stade Toulousain, well and truly deserves this distinction.
Left out of the race for the title of best rugby player despite his XXL performances due to his absence with the French XV during the last tournament, Antoine Dupont could console himself with the title of best rugby sevens player. Consequence of the Blues' coronation at the Olympic Games and their victory in the World Cup, during the Madrid Finals.
Antoine Dupont is indeed one of the three players nominated alongside his teammate Aaron Grandidier and the Irishman Terry Kennedy. This appointment sparked very strong reactions. The coach of Argentina, Santiago Gomez Cora, vehemently criticized his presence among the three nominees.
“What he is doing is exceptional”
“I don’t agree at all,” he told ESPN. I now understand many things that I already assumed. He played two stages of the world tour (out of seven in the regular season), including one as a substitute. He played a total of 12 minutes in Vancouver and they put him on the roster. From there we got worried. In Los Angeles he played a little longer and was named the tournament's best player and so on. And now the player of the year. I think it's too much and it's a lack of respect. »
But for David Mélé, the Stade Toulousain coach in charge of individual technique, this appointment is very logical. “Antoine proved of course at XV but also at VII, notably during the Olympic Games, with a role which was special for him but which he was able to fulfill greatly, that he deserves this reward”he confided to the microphone of France Bleu.
“What he is doing is exceptionalhe continued. He does it every day and every time he plays a rugby match. It's a real pleasure to meet him and see it up close every day. He is an exceptional player. »
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