Antoine Dupont Leads France to Historic Rugby Sevens Gold

Antoine Dupont, the superstar scrum-half, delivered a mesmerizing performance as he came off the bench to lead France to their first gold at the Paris Olympics in men’s rugby sevens. Dupont set up a try and scored two himself, inspiring the hosts to a stunning 28-7 victory over Fiji in the final. “It is sensational. It is unbelievable,” Dupont said, celebrating the hard work that led to this moment.

The match was tied 7-7 at half-time when Dupont, who skipped the Six Nations to focus on sevens, entered to a huge ovation. Within 21 seconds, he set up British-born Aaron Grandidier for a try, sparking France’s confidence. Dupont added two more tries including one after the final hooter, sparking jubilant celebrations. French President Emmanuel Macron joined the festivities in the stands.

Dupont’s switch to sevens was a significant story, as the 2021 World Player of the Year chose to prioritize the Olympics. Initially met with skepticism, his decision eventually endeared him to the French public. Fans donned Antoine Dupont masks and chanted his name throughout the tournament. His arrival in the second half of the final lifted expectations, and he delivered spectacularly.

London-born Grandidier, who joined French Top 14 side Pau earlier this year also played a crucial role. Despite being overlooked by English academies, he pursued his dream in France. Grandidier’s mother is French, allowing him to play for Les Bleus. His try, set up by Dupont, helped secure the victory. France, considered underdogs against the two-time defending champions Fiji, defied expectations.

After Fiji scored early, Jefferson-Lee Joseph leveled the score before half-time. Dupont’s second-half heroics then led France to a historic gold, marking a sensational start to the Paris Olympics for the hosts.