Out since March with a ruptured cruciate ligament in his right knee, Antoine Dupont is preparing his return without “rushing the process”. His recovery is progressing at a good pace and, despite his guaranteed absence from the autumn tour matches, France’s iconic captain could join up at Marcoussis as early as the start of November to take part in the squad’s preparations. A powerful symbol before three prestige showdowns.

The victim of a ruptured cruciate ligament in his right knee during the Six Nations last March, Antoine Dupont is continuing a meticulous rehabilitation. The operation, carried out in the spring, kept the Toulouse scrum-half off the pitch for many months. Although he remains unavailable, the most influential player in French rugby will make his gradual return to the France camp from the start of November, taking advantage of the international window.

The France staff plan to welcome him to Marcoussis on the fringes of preparations for the three matches against South Africa, Fiji and Australia (8, 15 and 22 November). Unable to set foot on the pitch, Dupont will take part in adapted team sessions, video work and squad life. A way of maintaining the link with his team-mates and bringing his experience to the heart of a demanding tour.

Return to action, at best, in late November

The France staff could therefore use the first fortnight of November to have Dupont working on the fringes of the group, capitalising on his experience and his symbolic presence against prestigious opponents. While a return in a match remains out of the question this autumn, the medics and the player are optimistic: an official return with his club could come in late November or early December, depending on how his knee progresses. A timeline that would allow France’s captain to gradually find his rhythm again before the 2026 Six Nations.