France superstar Antoine Dupont set to return for Toulouse after 8-month layoff

However, the 29-year-old Dupont is expected to make his comeback on Saturday when Toulouse takes on Racing 92.

Forwards coach Jean Bouilhou said Dupont was “a different kind of player” who immediately found his footing again.

“He’s such a talented, top-level player with a sort of authority over the game,” Bouilhou told reporters. "We’ve found the Antoine we had left. I think he quickly regains his sensations. I think he’s fit to play.”

Dupont also ruptured his ACL in the same knee in 2018.

“I can’t really say what will come of this match or the ones to follow,” Bouilhou said. "What I can tell you is what I’ve seen in training and I haven’t noticed any drop in his level compared to what he was doing last year. I’m actually reassured to see him performing at that level. The future will tell us how he progresses. But he gave himself every chance, during his recovery, to come back at his best.”

Dupont was the player of the year in the 15-man game and has been player of the championship in the Six Nations a record-tying three times. He led France to a rugby sevens gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

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