The France rugby union captain, Antoine Dupont, has said he ruptured cruciate ligaments in his right knee during his team’s win over Ireland in the Six Nations.
Dupont gave the update in a post on Instagram on Sunday afternoon, writing: “Cruciate ligaments ruptured. It is the beginning of a new challenge, I will see you in a few months on the pitch.”
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The 28-year-old was forced off in the 30th minute of France’s 42-27 victory on Saturday. Ireland forward Tadhg Beirne fell on to Dupont’s knee while attempting to clear out from a ruck, but did not face any action as the referee, Angus Gardner, believed it was an accident on Beirne’s part.
“There is a suspicion of a quite serious knee injury to Antoine,” the France coach, Fabien Galthié, said after the game. “He is suffering and we are suffering with him. We are angry and we want an explanation; so, we have cited two players [Beirne and Calvin Nash]. We must protect our players.”
Dupont added in his Instagram post: “The heart hurts even more than the knee when you have to leave your friends before the last step. I am proud of what we accomplished yesterday and with all my strength with you, you will do it.”
France will secure the Six Nations title with a bonus-point win over Scotland in their final game, at the Stade de France next Saturday. Given their superior points difference to England, a win of any description is likely to deliver the trophy.
Dupont is set to miss the rest of the domestic season with Toulouse, who lead France’s Top 14 league and have reached the Champions Cup last 16 as they bid to retain their European crown.
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