Antoine Dupont suffers facial fracture in France win over Namibia at 2023 Rugby World Cup
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ByEurosport
Updated 22/09/2023 at 12:15 GMT
France captain Antoine Dupont has suffered a facial fracture after their emphatic 96-0 win over Namibia on Thursday evening. The timeframe of Dupont's recovery is not yet known and the French Rugby Federation have said that he will remain with the squad while they determine how long he is going to be out for. The scrum-half was voted the world player of the year in 2021.
Highlights: Hosts France make statement with crushing 96-0 win over Namibia at World Cup
Antoine Dupont suffered a facial fracture in France's record 96-0 win over Namibia at the Rugby World Cup on Thursday.
The French Rugby Federation (FRF) have said that the 26-year-old will remain with the squad and will see a specialist where an assessment will be made on how long he will be out for.
"Antoine Dupont has suffered a maxillo-zygomatic fracture," the FRF has confirmed in a statement.
"A specialist surgical opinion has been requested to determine the exact length of the player's unavailability. Antoine Dupont remains with the France squad."
Dupont picked up the injury in the 46th minute after a head-to-head clash with Namibian centre Johan Deysel, who saw his yellow card upgraded to a red.
France head coach Fabien Galthie admitted that he was "extremely concerned" with Dupont's injury after the match at Stade Velodrome in Marseille.
Also on Thursday evening, France general team manager Raphael Ibanez said Dupont's injury is a reminder of how dangerous rugby can be.
"He is a strong guy and we can rely on his strength," he told ITV Sport.
"We feel sorry for Antoine. It just reminds us how dangerous it can be with a head-to-head contact.
"We have many reasons to have a smile on our face because we scored some decent tries with the home crowd, a lot of support and energy for the boys.
"We have got to leave with that energy, it is fantastic for our team and hopefully we keep on going."
France take on Italy on Friday October 6 in their final Rugby World Cup Pool A game at the OL Stadium in Lyon.
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