France captain Antoine Dupont returns to their Rugby World Cup squad after undergoing surgery on a broken cheekbone; "Following the post-surgery medical check-up, Antoine has been cleared to resume progressive physical activity," the French Rugby Federation said in a statement
Saturday 30 September 2023 10:06, UK
France captain Antoine Dupont has rejoined their Rugby World Cup squad after undergoing surgery on his broken cheekbone.
The mercurial scrum-half has been cleared to resume physical activity, the French Rugby Federation said in a statement.
"Following the post-surgery medical check-up that took place yesterday [Friday], Antoine has been cleared to resume progressive physical activity," the statement read.
"This activity will take place under the supervision of the French national team's medical staff."
Dupont underwent surgery last week and the French camp is hoping he will be able to play in the quarter-finals of the World Cup on October 14 or 15, likely against defending champions South Africa, although no decision has been made yet.
He will miss France's final Pool A game against Italy on Friday.
Dupont's injury, sustained in last week's record 96-0 win over Namibia, put another massive dent in French hopes of winning a first world title after the loss of flyhalf Romain Ntamack.
Maxime Lucu or Baptiste Couilloud will deputise at scrum-half for Les Bleus' game against Italy, who were hammered 96-17 by New Zealand on Friday.
France lead Pool A with 13 points, with second-placed New Zealand on 10, ahead of Italy on points difference.
