Rugby 7s: “It seems to me that this player has talent”, Galthié believes that Dupont is an “investment for the future”

Le sélectionneur Fabien Galthié a couvert d'éloges les performances d'Antoine Dupont à VII. MAXPPP – Ethan Cairns

Galthié loue les débuts fracassants de Dupont à VII. 

The coach of the XV of France Fabien Galthié estimated on Friday that the experience in rugby sevens of his usual scrum half and captain Antoine Dupont, with a view to the Olympic Games of Paris this summer, was "an investment" for the future of the Blues.

"It's also time saved for the French team (at XV)", said Galthié on the sidelines of the announcement of his composition for the trip to Wales on Sunday in the Six Nations Tournament.

This is an investment by Antoine that will bear fruit in the years to come

"It's an investment by Antoine which will bear fruit in the years to come", he added, referring to the Cup of the world 2027 in Australia. "It's an inspiring choice".

Dupont made a sensational debut at VII, notably helping the French team win its first tournament on the world circuit since 2005 last weekend in Los Angeles. "I am very happy for the French Sevens team and very happy for Antoine. The challenge is met", commented Galthié.

The Blues are convinced

"Bronze medal (in Vancouver), gold medal (in Los Angeles)while he has been playing rugby sevens for a month. It seems to me that this player has talent (laughs)". The head of French rugby informed him in the spring of 2022, after the Grand Slam in the Tournament, of his desire to participate in the Paris-2024 Games.

“I said that's great, well done, that's a very good idea. Why not, it's to be built, with the Toulouse Stadium, the Federation…", said the coach of the Blues.

We will be the first supporters of the French Sevens team this summer

"We will be the first supporters of the French Sevens team this summer". The new coach of the French XV attack Patrick Arlettaz was not surprised by the speed with which Dupont adapted to his new discipline.

"He is one of the best players in the world, if not the best. He's an asset to all the teams he plays in. , he said on Friday. "I remain convinced that we can be very successful without Antoine", continued the former Perpignan coach . "Nolann (Le Garrec) and Max (Lucu) are immense players and if, collectively, we manage to find fuel, the French team will perform well".