Antoine Dupont says France’s 2027 World Cup may be its last chance

Antoine Dupont is already looking toward Australia and the 2027 Rugby World Cup, the one major trophy missing from his decorated career. Speaking to RMC Sport before the Top 14 season, the Stade Toulousain captain said the work had to start immediately.

“It starts now. We need the seriousness, the high standards and the concentration to perform in October 2027,” Dupont said. His previous season was made more difficult by his return from injury and a lack of continuity, making the year ahead especially important to him.

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It starts now. We need the seriousness, the high standards and the concentration to perform in October 2027.

Dupont said the team would stay focused on a series of nearer goals, including the Nations Cup in November, the European competition and the Six Nations. Those tournaments provide immediate targets, but he acknowledged that World Cup preparation remains in the background.

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I think our whole generation missed the 2023 appointment. Now we will have the chance, the opportunity I hope, to do better.

The 2023 quarter-final defeat by South Africa continues to shape the mood around France’s next campaign. “I think our whole generation missed the 2023 appointment. Now we will have the chance, the opportunity I hope, to do better,” he said.

For many players, Dupont added, the 2027 tournament could be their last chance. “We know there will be no other chances, and I hope that will motivate us not to put extra pressure on ourselves, but instead give us more energy and determination to go and get it.” Asked about the 2031 World Cup in the United States, when he would be 33, he said he hoped to play but preferred to concentrate on the present.

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We know there will be no other chances, and I hope that will motivate us not to put extra pressure on ourselves, but instead give us more energy and determination to go and get it.