French · Lannemezan, France · Born 15 November 1996Antoine Dupont is a French scrum-half widely regarded as the world's best rugby player, captaining France's national team.
Antoine Dupont was born on 15 November 1996 in Lannemezan, France, and progressed through junior clubs Magnoac and Auch before joining Castres in 2014. He moved to Toulouse in 2017, and developed into one of the most complete and influential players the sport has ever produced, combining elite passing, running, tackling, and tactical vision from the scrum-half position. Dupont made his France debut in 2017 and was named World Rugby Men's 15s Player of the Year in 2021, becoming widely regarded as the finest player in world rugby throughout the early 2020s. He captains both Toulouse and the French national team, leading Toulouse to multiple Top 14 and European Champions Cup titles. Dupont took a break from fifteens rugby to compete in sevens at the 2024 Paris Olympics, helping France win a gold medal on home soil in one of the most celebrated moments of French sporting history that summer, and was subsequently named World Rugby Men's Sevens Player of the Year — becoming the first French player to win the sevens honour, having already won the fifteens award. Dupont has continued to lead France's rise to the top of world rugby, winning back-to-back Six Nations titles and remaining the sport's most closely watched individual talent, renowned for a rare ability to influence matches through vision and skill that few scrum-halves in the game's history have matched.
Widely regarded as the best rugby player in the world; France captain
How They Played
Dupont is renowned for his lightning-quick reactions, exceptional passing ability, and game-reading intelligence from the scrum-half position. His vision allows him to create opportunities from seemingly impossible situations, while his speed and agility make him a constant threat with ball in hand. He combines traditional scrum-half skills with modern attacking flair, capable of breaking defensive lines and offloading under pressure.
Lasting Impact
Dupont has redefined the modern scrum-half position, demonstrating that the role can be both creative catalyst and primary attacking threat. His influence has elevated French rugby back to the top tier of international competition and inspired a new generation of players.
Career Honours
- World Rugby Player of the Year 2021, 2023, 2024
- Six Nations Grand Slam 2022
- Olympic gold medal, rugby sevens 2024
| Club | Period | Apps |
|---|---|---|
| Stade Toulousain | 2017–2024 | — |
 France | — | 54 |
French Athletes