He is everywhere. If he does not shine on the different lawns of the Six Nations Tournament this season, having chosen to skip the 2024 edition to pursue his Olympic dream, Antoine Dupont has struggled to go unnoticed for his first not in rugby sevens. Presented by the speaker at his first entry into play at the Vancouver tournament (Canada), on February 23, as “one of the best players in the world”, the star of the French XV, a neophyte septist, was welcomed by a loud ovation. And attracted attention all weekend, including those of the organizers of the HSBC SVNS circuit, who did not hesitate to fuel the enthusiasm by showcasing the actions of Bigourdan on social networks.
In Canada, the French women’s and men’s teams reached the podium in this fourth stage of the world circuit – second place for the Blues, third place for the Blues. The Tricolores continue their “American tour” and have set down their bags in Los Angeles where, from Friday 1er on Sunday March 3, they will aim for a first title. In the city that is home to Hollywood, they also continue their discovery of a life in the spotlight, a few months before the Olympic Games (OG).
“Today, between the choice of Antoine Dupont, the Rugby World Cup [à XV en septembre et octobre 2023] in France and the arrival of the Olympic Games in Paris, there is a conjunction of events which shed new light on rugby sevens”notes David Courteix, the women’s coach, interviewed by The world. The Vancouver tournament was much more closely followed by the French public and media than the three previous outings on the circuit this season. Spotlights that the actors of this ” cousin ” of the XV, according to the technician, welcome with happiness, like “the end of a long wait”.
Les Bleues used to the podiums
If he admits to wondering about the way in which his troops – still reigning Olympic vice-champions – will “react to this sudden media coverage”David Courteix sees a ” acknowledgement ” for his sport, which rarely benefits from wide exposure. “Sevens rugby fits our times and has everything to attract new fans, as well as XV aficionadoshe maintains. It’s a technical rugby, of initiatives, spaces and speed. »
A discipline, above all, where the French women’s team excels. While their male counterparts are still progressing – even more so if Antoine Dupont’s contribution is confirmed over time – the Tricolores are subscribed to places of honor. “It’s a very consistent group in performance for years, and which is having its best start to the season in the World Serieswelcomes the coach. A team that regularly reaches the podiums. » In four outings in this 2023-2024 exercise, teammates of opening half Caroline Drouin collected two silver medals and one bronze. But in Vancouver, as in Cape Town (South Africa), they came up against their glass ceiling: despite excellent results – in all competitions – the French women have never won gold.
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