Toulousain Scrum-Half Recovers Ahead of Blockbuster Top 14 Opener against La Rochelle
France head coach Fabien Galthie will be without talismanic scrum-half Antoine Dupont for the inaugural Nations Championship matches. The 29-year-old superstar confirmed he suffered a minor calf tear, disrupting his international schedule for the first time since 2017 while resting key teammates.
The injury diagnosis requires a recovery period of up to three weeks, forcing Dupont to miss the July international window completely. The former World Rugby Player of the Year is currently undergoing extensive rehabilitation sessions during the off-season break to ensure full fitness.
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Dupont expressed his frustration regarding the poor timing of the injury but remains highly optimistic about his recovery timeline. "It is nothing major, but I will be out for three weeks maximum, which directly sends me back to club pre-season preparation," Dupont stated.
The LNR recently unveiled the 2026/2027 Top 14 calendar, pitting the reigning champions Stade Toulousain against Stade Rochelais on September 5. Defending titleholders Toulouse face a demanding opening month, meeting rivals UBB in week two before facing Montpellier in an early-season final rematch.