French rugby captain Antoine Dupont has undergone surgery to address a fractured cheekbone, with the French Rugby Federation (FFR) stating that he will rejoin the squad "in a few days."
The injury occurred during a collision with Namibia captain Johan Deysel in France's commanding 96-0 victory on Thursday. Dupont, the reigning world player of the year (2021), had the surgical procedure in Toulouse on Friday.
The FFR explained, "Following his injury sustained during the France vs. Namibia match, Antoine Dupont underwent surgery at Purpan University in Toulouse on September 22. He will be able to return to the French team in a few days as part of a gradual sporting recovery under medical supervision."
While the exact timeline for Dupont's return to the pitch remains uncertain, there is uncertainty regarding his participation in the World Cup. France is anticipating his return for the final pool game against Italy on October 6, with a potential quarter-final match against reigning champions South Africa or top-ranked Ireland looming on the weekend of October 14–15.
Dr. Bernard Dusfour, former president of the medical commission of the National Rugby League (LNR), stated that the minimum recovery period for an elite athlete after surgery is typically "four weeks."
France's assistant coach, Laurent Labit, acknowledged the need for patience, stating, "We are not going to make plans too soon." In Dupont's absence, Maxime Lucu and Baptiste Couilloud are the other two scrum-halves in the France World Cup squad.
A protracted absence for Dupont would be a significant setback to France's aspirations of winning their first-ever Rugby World Cup. Additionally, fly-half Romain Ntamack was excluded from the squad due to injury.
