Amid the run-in to the 2026 Guinness Men’s Six Nations, France captain Antoine Dupont is feeling good after returning from a knee injury that kept the former World Player of the Year out for eight months.
France won the title last year and many are expecting Fabien Galthié’s side to recapture the crown this time round.
They will face fierce competition from Ireland and England especially, hosting both sides in their first and last fixtures respectively.
When discussing the importance of these home games, Dupont said: “It’s always a big opportunity to play at home in front of our fans. [Playing Ireland and England] for sure will be tough games but we have to take the opportunity to play at home.”
Dupont would also comment on his injury recovery, he said: “Physically, I’m the same as before, so I’m very happy. It’s more than I expected a few months ago. So yeah, I feel very good.”
This year, France open the tournament against Ireland on the 5th February, the first ever Thursday night fixture in Six Nations history, when asked how this will differ their preparations, Dupont said: “We know that we have 10 days to be the best prepared we can.
“You have to adapt your preparations but it’s the same for them.”
Whilst France will be aided by the return of Dupont, Fabien Galthié’s squad selection has surprised a few with record try scorer Demain Penaud missing out this year. After France’s clash with Ireland on match day one, they will travel to Wales before hosting Italy. After the week’s break, a visit to Murrayfield will stand before what is predicted to be a title decider at home to England for the tournament finale.
