Antoine Dupont (Toulouse) wants to participate in the 2024 Paris Olympics!
Two years before the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, it is not uncommon to see TOP 14 players show their desire to participate in the event, like Antoine Dupont. But it won’t be that simple.
If, officially, the Olympic Games will only start on Friday July 26, 2024 at the Stade de France, it is indeed rugby that will try to set the pace for the French delegation. With tournaments taking place between July 24 – and 30, rugby 7s will be a very busy event.
It is obvious that this makes more than one player dream and not the least. If, in the past, we had already seen internationals like Fulgence Ouedraogo, Rémy Grosso or Marvin O’Connor, they are some Top 14 players to clearly show their desires for Paris 2024. The first to have done so publicly is Teddy Thomas.
Antoine Dupont dreams of participating in rugby 7s in 2024
“At 31, where would I be? If my body allows me, why not? I have always told Thierry Janeczek (FFR manager, editor’s note) that if he wanted to call me at 7 for the Olympic Games or Tournaments at 7, I will always be there. He knows it, but if my level allows it, otherwise I have no place with them. »
There is also the revelation of the last 6 Nations Tournament, Gabin Villière, who has natural links with the 7. “The Olympic Games are always in the back of my mind. I have worked for several years with France 7 and I hope to be part of this adventure in 2024, even if it will be difficult. There are people to share this experience. »
Especially since it is now a real call from the foot that the best rugby union player in the world, Antoine Dupont, has just made. On several occasions, the French international has said that he would not be against being at the Olympic Games.
“Of course it attracts me to do the Olympics in Paris. The will is there, but I am not the only decision maker. It’s not the same sport, the same efforts. There is a necessary adaptation time, but I am hot. Just like his teammate Romain Ntamack.
“We have to see how it goes. There is a French team of 7 with players already selected. If there is a call, why not answer this and train in this rugby. In addition, it takes place in Paris, it would be nice to play two planetary events there two years in a row. »
“I’m not the only decision maker, but I’m hot”
Currently, the French team at 7 already has many talents from the Top 14 such as Nelson Epée (Toulouse), Ryan Rebbadj (Toulon), Alexandre Tchaptchet (Lyon), Julien Blanc (Toulon) or Aaron Grandidier (Brive), but others also claim it, like Tavita Veredamu (Lyon), Donovan Taofifenua (Racing), Antoine Zeghdar (Castres), Julien Delbouis (Stade Français) or Mathias Colombet (Pau). And it’s only just begun.
Be that as it may, France has all the weapons and assets to dream of a competitive and attractive 7-man team for Paris 2024. The hardest part will be making choices.