Elected 7s player of the year at the World Rugby Awards in Monaco this Sunday, Antoine Dupont took the opportunity to put a small challenge to some of his detractors, who did not believe in him at the start of his adventure. The scrum half showed his joy.
Antoine Dupont received this Sunday an award which illustrates his immense talent. He, the rugby union player, was voted best player of the year at 7during the World Rugby Awards ceremony. A more than symbolic trophy for the scrum half, who definitely left his mark on the discipline during his short stint in it. After participating in three stages of the world circuit – for as many medals – including the final in Madrid, the Toulouse native won the gold medal with the French team during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Determinant in the group of Jérôme Daret, Dupont showed what an incredible phenomenon he was.
“I remember the first articles”
However, his choice to freelance with the septists was not always unanimous. While some assured that the former Castres would not be able to adapt to rugby sevens, others criticized him for leaving the French XV orphaned during the 2024 6 Nations Tournament. Trophy in hand, Dupont savored in the columns of the Team : “I thought about the moment when I had this gold medal around my neck and all the exceptional moments that I experienced with this French team. I told myself that it was a risky bet but that it was so worth it. I was right to follow my intuition even when at the beginning no one really believed in it. I remember the first articles. I don't have a short memory and I'm proud of the choices I made. I also thank my partners and the staff who allowed me to experience all of this.”
During the World Rugby Awards ceremony, Antoine Dupont was awarded the 7s Player of the Year award. This is the first time in the history of rugby that a player has been crowned at XV and 7! ud83cuddebud83cuddf7ud83cudfc6
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Dupont has therefore gleaned the ultimate reward from a year 2024 where he won everything (Top 14, Champions Cup, Olympic Games, Oscars Midol). He was not the only Frenchman rewarded during this World Rugby Awards ceremony. His coach for the French 7s team Jérôme Daret was elected best coach of the year 2024. The prize for the best try was given to Nolann Le Garrec, for his achievement against England during the last 6 Nations. Finally, among the women, the prize for the most beautiful achievement went to Marine Ménager (France – Canada, WXV, September 29).
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