But then again, Dupont is no ordinary player. Described as "out of this world" by his Stade Toulousain coach Ugo Mola, he is regarded as something of a saviour by the fans.
He was instrumental in Toulouse's double triumph last season, winning both the Champions Cup and Top 14. These were outstanding achievements, especially in a season where his main focus was meant to be on sevens rugby, which prevented him from participating in the 2024 Guinness Men's Six Nations.
In the Top 14 last season, Dupont featured in just 14 games, starting in nine and playing only 865 minutes — his lowest tally in over five years. However, his contributions were decisive, as Toulouse secured 11 wins and suffered just three losses in the matches he played.
Entering a new stratosphere
Dupont was also key for the France Sevens team, helping them win their first World Series gold medal in 19 years in Los Angeles in March. He was there in June when France became champions in Madrid, and, of course, when they clinched Olympic gold at the 2024 Paris Games (on 27th July).
“What he’s doing is incredible for rugby. He’s got a great mindset and is shaking things up,” said his Toulouse teammate Dimitri Delibes, who plays on the wing or at centre.
“Toto [Dupont's nickname] does extraordinary things on the field, which allows him to be a spokesperson for all of us. He’s gone beyond the role of just a rugby player, entering a whole new realm."
After such a whirlwind season, it's safe to say that Dupont was in need of a proper holiday. Despite various media, marketing, and ceremonial obligations, he managed to take a 70-day break.
Postcards from the USA
He kept his fans updated by posting regular updates, most notably from Los Angeles, where he met basketball legend LeBron James at the Memorial Coliseum, followed by a visit to Miami where he caught up with eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Leo Messi (read more about that here). Dupont also tried out American football with the Los Angeles Chargers, played beach rugby in Santa Monica, watched a Los Angeles Dodgers baseball game, visited the city’s contemporary art museum, and even handled an alligator in the Everglades.
All this came after he had been awarded the Legion d'Honneur by President Emmanuel Macron, alongside his France Sevens teammates, for services to the nation. What a year!
“But we all know Antoine; we know he’ll keep his feet on the ground, and it won’t change him,” said back rower Anthony Jelonch, his teammate for club and country. “He’ll be the same person as when he left us before the Olympics. Our opinion of him hasn’t changed. He doesn’t want us to treat him any differently either.”
A dual challenge ahead
While he did make a brief appearance at Toulouse training in early September to greet his teammates, his proper return came on Monday 7th October, and with it a unique dual challenge.
Firstly, the club is coming off the back of two consecutive defeats — a rarity for Les Rouge et Noir. Secondly, the France national team is looking to recover from a troubled tour to Argentina over the summer.
At the end of the month, Dupont is expected to return to the National Rugby Centre in Marcoussis for the first time in a year. France are scheduled to play three major Test matches in the Autumn Nations Series at the Stade de France this November: against Japan on the 10th, New Zealand on the 17th, and Argentina on the 23rd.
Should they have their illustrious scrum-half back at the helm by then, Christmas will have come early for Les Bleus and their fans.
