France and Toulouse star Antoine Dupont is primed to make his return to the field this weekend, according to reports across the Channel.
The scrum-half has been out of action since the Six Nations following a ruptured ACL, but talk of a possible return to the field comes amid videos of Dupont back in France training ahead of their Autumn Nations Series clash against the Springboks.
Antoine Dupont primed for rugby return
Images of him training certainly caused a stir among both France and Toulouse fans alike, with the 29-year-old in career-best form prior to his injury against Ireland back in March, and there was even a suggestion he could have made his return to the field last weekend when Toulouse faced newly promoted side Montauban, a match they eventually won 49-7, but he was held back.
However, according to French publication Midi Olympique, he could finally be set to make his return to the field this weekend as he takes a spot on the Toulouse bench.
“The whole world tries to defend against him and can’t,” quipped Racing 92 coach Patrice Collazo when asked about the potential return of Dupont. “Honestly, it’s great to see him on the field. Antoine Dupont is the best in his position. We all love watching him and playing against him.”
Dupont has picked a great time to return to action, with Toulouse leading the way in the Top 14, currently sitting two points above second-placed Pau at the time of writing. However, a win for Racing could see them climb as high as third if results elsewhere fall their way, and close the gap on Toulouse to just three points.
His return to the field also comes on the eve of the Investec Champions Cup campaign getting underway, with Toulouse setting their sights on a third title in six years.
Les Rouge et Noir begin their campaign with a clash against South African side the Sharks, before venturing to Glasgow Warriors in round two. Upon the competition’s return in January, they face Saracens in round three, before ending the pool stage back at home against Sale Sharks.
Should he get through this next block of fixtures, he could be primed to make a return to the France squad ahead of the Six Nations next year, with Les Bleus looking to defend their title.