Rugby Sevens: “We want to do something big”, first gold medal for Dupont, winner of the Los Angeles tournament

“I’m still learning, I’m not going to make big speeches,” declares an (already) victorious Antoine Dupont. MAXPPP – Ethan Cairns

"We have a very ambitious group", explained Antoine Dupont, star of the winning XV with the French rugby team at VII of the Los Angeles tournament on Sunday, before aiming for gold at the Paris Olympic Games (July 26 – August 11).

What emotion does this gold medal give you ?

I'm just super happy, proud of the team. This is only my second tournament I know they have been working for a while. There have been finals, but there has not yet been the title (since 2005). This validates the work that has been done and allows you to gain confidence as you approach upcoming deadlines.

With your experience, what was your role before the final ?

My role is just a team player. I'm still learning, I'm not going to make big speeches even though this is only my second tournament with them. They remain high-level athletes, who are preparing for these deadlines. I felt a lot of relaxation, motivation, the desire to leave with this gold medal, it was really a strong objective for the group.

You seem exhausted…

The quarter and a half were very hard. In the semi-final I had two sprints in the first two actions which made my first half complicated (laughs). That's also the VII, this sport is incredible, the physical capacity has enormous weight, but also this ability to not give up.

We are a very ambitious group who want to give ourselves the means to win this medal this summer

How do you judge this French team ?

By committing to this Olympic project it was to get a medal, obviously of this color (gold), I knew that the guys were capable of it. They have been progressing for several seasons and above all, when they are at their best, they are capable of beating all the teams, I knew there was this potential.

What is your assessment after two tournaments ?

What I didn't know was how to string two tournaments together, especially yesterday (Saturday) with three matches, getting up at 6 a.m. and coming home at 9:30 p.m., these were very tough days. I was able to test myself in all conditions, play very big matches, have playing time, now I will have a good week to rest.

Dupont arrives, France wins ?

Maybe people will say it but it's more a combination of circumstances. Last year they finished fourth all year, I wasn't there, that's because they are capable. In Perth they gave the Blacks 30 points in the pools so they are capable of beating any team but also of being good over time, consistent.

The anticipation around you will be great before the Olympic Games…

We are a very ambitious group who want to give themselves the means to win this medal this summer. We are all in this perspective to work hard. We want to do something big.

How will you prepare for your return with them to Madrid after returning to the XV ?

Like I had done since the end of the World Cup until my first internship with them. I have a weekly discussion with Jérôme Daret and the physical trainer to get supplements and stay in the rhythm. I will also have an internship period with them before Madrid, a full week. Now I have a lot more automatisms and reflexes, it will be much easier.