Antoine Dupont: “Have I ever seen him drunk? Once!” The unusual confession of a close friend of the star player

You don't become the best player in the world without being rigorous about your healthy lifestyle. Sacrifices to which Antoine Dupont has made, for years, on the altar of success.

This Saturday, November 9, the star scrum half from Stade Toulousain will lead the French XV for its first match of the fall tour, against Japan. A return with these Blues, after a golden hook at 7: he was crowned Olympic champion at the Paris Olympics at the end of July.

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Suffice to say that last season, started in August 2023 with the World Cup in France, was exhausting. And yet, Dupont, in addition to the Games, won the Top 14 and the Champions Cup with Toulouse.

So, he enjoyed a vacation at the end last August and September. Travel, media, relaxation… He seemed far from rugby. Seemed, only. Because between a few training sessions with his friends at Stade Toulousain and personal interviews, he came back well sharpened. As evidenced by his first match with Toulouse this season: a comeback, three tries against Clermont in the Top 14.

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And this is nothing new, Antoine Dupont has always agreed to maintain his physical fitness. Even passing through Los Angeles last summer for an “American football” experience and a visit to former football player Blaise Matuidi. “Antoine had to fit a training session into the day,” says Gauthier Enfedaque, one of his best friends interviewed by L’Équipe. “A physical trainer contacted by his agent and who also acted as a physiotherapist was also there to support him. We had to do three bodybuilding sessions in the room of the hotel where we were, two training sessions in the park opposite at this same hotel, and another on a real sports field, freely accessible, to work over real distances.”

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“I don’t know anyone as serious as Antoine,” he continues. “He knows how to let loose on party nights, but it’s always in control. Have I ever seen him drunk? Once, after his first French champion title in 2019, but it was exceptional. More recently , last May, I remember him after Toulouse's victory in the Champions Cup. Everyone was celebrating. He was drinking cokes.