France’s rugby sensation, Antoine Dupont, is using his World Cup heartbreak as the driving force behind his ambitious 2024 plans. Dupont, who played a crucial role in France’s journey to the quarter-finals of this year’s World Cup, is gearing up for a unique challenge that involves temporarily leaving the XV-a-side game to join France’s Sevens program with his sights set on the Paris Olympics.
Despite the daunting prospect of switching from the traditional 15-player rugby to the fast-paced Sevens format, the 27-year-old scrum-half is both thrilled and a tad apprehensive. He confessed, “I am very excited but a little bit scared.” However, this fearless attitude seems characteristic of Dupont, who thrives on the idea of a busy year ahead. “I will have a very busy year, but I love that, and I am excited,” he enthusiastically declared.
Dupont’s recent performance for his club, Toulouse, exemplifies his determination. He helped orchestrate an impressive victory over Harlequins in the Champions Cup, showcasing his unwavering commitment to the game. This fervor is fueled by the disappointment he and several Toulouse teammates experienced during the World Cup on home soil, where they were eliminated by eventual champions South Africa in the quarter-finals last October.
Speaking with BBC Radio 5 Live, Dupont expressed his sentiments, saying, “When you lose a competition, you want to do another thing to try to win again.” This competitive spirit has manifested itself in Toulouse’s recent performances, demonstrating their motivation for the Champions Cup.
Dupont’s road to the Olympics involves participation in Sevens series events in February and March, followed by a return to Toulouse towards the end of the season before rejoining the Sevens program for the grand event in July. It’s a challenging journey that requires rigorous preparation. “I will have to work a lot to be competitive in all the competitions,” Dupont acknowledged.
While his previous experience with Sevens dates back to his under-18 days, Dupont sees similarities between the two formats and is willing to put in the effort to adapt. He’s been in close contact with his coach to learn the necessary skills and plans to watch the game to further his understanding. Unfortunately, this endeavor means missing out on the upcoming Six Nations, a tough decision he had to make.
In conclusion, Antoine Dupont’s determination, fueled by World Cup disappointment, is propelling him into a new chapter in his rugby career as he aims for success in both the Sevens series and the Paris Olympics. It’s a thrilling and challenging journey for this rugby maestro, but one thing is for sure: Antoine Dupont is ready to give it his all in pursuit of victory.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Rugby Ambition
Q: What motivated Antoine Dupont to pursue Sevens rugby and the Paris Olympics?
A: Antoine Dupont’s motivation stems from the disappointment of losing in the World Cup. He’s driven to win again and sees the Olympics as a new challenge.
Q: How is Antoine Dupont preparing for his switch to Sevens rugby?
A: Dupont is actively working on acquiring the necessary skills, having conversations with his coach, and studying the Sevens game to adapt to the new format.
Q: Is Antoine Dupont still involved in the traditional XV-a-side rugby during this transition?
A: Yes, Dupont will return to Toulouse towards the end of the season to continue his involvement in XV-a-side rugby before rejoining the Sevens program for the Olympics.
Q: How has Dupont been performing for his club, Toulouse, recently?
A: Antoine Dupont has been instrumental in Toulouse’s impressive performances, including a notable victory over Harlequins in the Champions Cup.
Q: Is Antoine Dupont confident about his prospects in Sevens rugby, despite limited prior experience?
A: While he acknowledges the challenge, Dupont is determined and believes there are similarities between the two formats that he can leverage to succeed in Sevens rugby.
More about Rugby Ambition
- Antoine Dupont’s profile on France Rugby
- BBC Sport coverage of Antoine Dupont’s interview
- Toulouse’s recent Champions Cup victory
- Paris Olympics official website
