French rugby sensation Antoine Dupont has stepped into uncharted territory as he participated in a training camp with France Sevens this week, marking his first foray into the fast-paced world of sevens rugby. The move is part of Dupont’s preparation for the Paris Olympic Games set to take place later this year.
Despite missing Toulouse’s recent Top 14 match against La Rochelle, where they suffered a 29-8 defeat, Dupont embraced the opportunity to train alongside his new teammates in Marcoussis. The four-day training camp, running from January 2 to 5, allowed the France XVs captain to familiarize himself with the unique demands of sevens rugby.
In accordance with his agreement with Toulouse, Dupont is set to return to the club today to prepare for their upcoming clash against Lyon this weekend in the Top 14. The 27-year-old star is gearing up for his sevens debut at the Vancouver leg of the HSBC SVNS Series next month. However, he will not participate in the upcoming Guinness Six Nations, focusing instead on his sevens commitments.
Footage circulating on social media showcases Dupont actively participating in sevens training drills, including being lifted to receive a kick-off—a skill less common in the XVs format.
Looking ahead, Dupont’s attention will shift back to XVs rugby in the coming weeks as Toulouse, the reigning Top 14 champions, strive to improve their current seventh position in the standings. Key fixtures against Ulster and Bath in the Investec Champions Cup await them, presenting opportunities to climb the ladder.
The composition of the France Sevens squad for the training camp includes Esteban Capilla, Antoine Dupont, Nelson Epée, Aaron Grandidier-Nkanang, Nisie Huyard, William Iraguha, Jefferson-Lee Joseph, Jonathan Laugel, Thibaud Mazzoleni, Stephen Parez-Edo Martin, Varian Pasquet, Rayan Rebbadj, Paulin Riva, Jordan Sepho, Joris Simon, Joachim Trouabal, and Antoine Zeghdar.