Antoine Dupont, the French rugby star, celebrated the triumph of the French national team, XV de France, at the 2025 Six Nations, even as he copes with the aftermath of a severe knee injury. The team claimed victory against Scotland with a score of 35-16 at the Stade de France on March 15, 2025, marking their second Six Nations title under coach Fabien Galthié, following their initial win in 2022.
Dupont, who was sidelined due to a ruptured cruciate ligament sustained during the match against Ireland on March 8, showcased remarkable resilience as he participated in celebratory festivities on crutches. Despite the pain of his injury, he lifted the trophy along with his teammates.
"Happiness Therapy. So proud of this group. Thank you all for your messages, trust, and unconditional support!" Dupont expressed his gratitude on social media after the match, spotlighting the bond within the team.
The French Rugby Federation is set to receive 7.75 million euros as part of the tournament's prize for their victory, and officials have indicated some of this sum will be shared among the players and support staff. Romain Baheux, sports journalist for Le Parisien, reported, "The French federation will receive 6.5 million pounds from the Six Nations organizing committee, which converts to approximately 7.75 million euros for their success." While the exact bonus amount for players remains undisclosed, it is confirmed there will be rewards for the team.
A symbol of camaraderie and leadership, Dupont earned special recognition during the post-match ceremony. Typically, tournament protocol stipulates medals are awarded only to players who actively participated in the match. But the Tournament Committee made an exception for the captain due to his significant influence and leadership role within the team. "It was impossible not to allow Antoine Dupont to receive his medal and lift the trophy," stated Grégory Aldritt, who captained the team during the match.
During the celebrations, Aldritt emphasized the importance of Dupont to the squad, saying, "He gives so much for French rugby. Seeing him miss out on playing the final match was heartbreaking, but we wanted to bring the victory home for him and his contributions." Maxime Lucu, who stepped up during Dupont's absence, echoed this sentiment, acknowledging the emotional weight of celebrating this significant win without their star player.
Dupont's injury has raised concerns about his health and recovery timeline, with medical experts indicating he will require surgery followed by extended rehabilitation, potentially sidelining him for six to eight months. Galthié noted during his appearance on France Inter on March 17, 2025, "He is suffering, and these knee injuries can be very painful and complex to repair." Galthié reflected on the nature of such injuries and the unpredictability they bring to athletes’ careers, identifying Dupont as not just a player but also as the backbone of the team's leadership.
Despite facing another major setback—having suffered a similar injury back in 2018—Dupont's commitment to remain with the team during this challenging time reflects the deep bonds among team members. He wanted to support his teammates and contribute to their success even from the sidelines.
Dupont's struggle brings to light the harsh realities of professional sports, where potential stardom can be marred by injury risk. Galthié poignantly remarked, "Our sport can turn upside down at any moment. You can be celebrated as the best player one moment and nothing the next. Holding onto the team is all the more important during such times."
Looking forward to his recovery, the French star aims to regain fitness and contribute to his team’s upcoming challenges, including their efforts for the 2024 Olympic Games and subsequent international competitions. His resilience and determination could serve as inspiration for his teammates and fans alike.
The triumph of the XV de France not only highlighted individual efforts—such as Thomas Ramos setting records for points scored—but also showcased the team's ability to unite and excel even when faced with adversity. With the collective depth of this squad, the future of French rugby looks bright, and many are hopeful for Dupont’s recovery.
