France head coach Fabien Galthié has confirmed that superstar scrum-half. Antoine Dupont will captain Les Bleus in this year’s Six Nations. While also leaving the door open for several high-profile. Players to make their way back into the national setup for the Rugby World Cup 2027.
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Dupont’s appointment as skipper comes as little surprise. Widely regarded as one of the best players in the world. The Toulouse halfback has returned to outstanding form since coming back. From a serious knee injury late last year, Rugby World Cup 2027.
He ruptured his cruciate ligament during France’s clash with Ireland in last season’s Six Nations in March. And spent eight months on the sidelines before resuming action in November. Since then, he has quickly re-established himself as one of the dominant figures in European rugby. I’m telling you now: he will be our captain, Galthié said. I’ve been blown away by his form since his return. He’s back to his best.
France begins their campaign against Ireland in Paris on February 5, in what promises to be one of the defining matches of the tournament. The decision to hand Dupont the armband underlines. The coach’s belief in the scrumhalf’s leadership qualities as well as his influence on the field. Where his pace, vision and ability to control games make him the heartbeat of the French side.
France Coach Prioritises Squad Refresh Ahead of 2027 Rugby World Cup
While Dupont’s role has been confirmed, Galthié also addressed the notable absences from his 42-man squad. Gaël Fickou and Grégory Alldritt, both of whom have captained France during Dupont’s injury layoff, were surprisingly left out, along with Damian Penaud, France’s all-time leading try-scorer. Their omission raised eyebrows, but the coach was quick to stress that the door remains open for all three players.
They’ve deserved it enormously and will surely deserve it in the future, Galthié said. I’m certain they’ll come back with us. Rather than signalling the end of the road for the experienced trio, Galthié framed the decision as part of a broader strategy aimed at refreshing the squad and building depth ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.
He believes that a large portion of the group that competed at the 2023 Rugby World Cup could still feature in four years, but that new players must be given meaningful opportunities now. Eighty per cent of the players who experienced the end of the first term up to the 2023 Rugby World Cup may be in Australia.
He said. Others are evolving alongside them, and they’re convincing at the club level. Among those catching the coach’s eye are several young talents making strong impressions in the Top 14.
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Rugby World Cup Final: France Coach Emphasises Development of Young Players
Galthié highlighted Pau backs Théo Attissogbe and Fabien Brau-Boirie, Toulouse centre Kalvin Gourgues, and Montpellier flanker Lenni Nouchi, who at 22 is the oldest of the quartet. Their inclusion reflects a deliberate shift toward integrating youth into the national environment, even if it comes with short-term risks. These prospects need to play, Galthié said. They need the chance to make mistakes.
It is a philosophy that has underpinned France’s resurgence over the past few years, with Galthié consistently backing young players and trusting them in high-pressure situations. That approach paid off in their Six Nations title win in 2022 and again last year, and he appears determined to continue blending experience with emerging talent as France aim to stay at the top of European rugby.
Dupont’s leadership will be central to that process. Beyond his skillset, he is widely admired for his professionalism and influence in the dressing room. The 29-year-old recently added an Olympic gold medal in rugby sevens to his already glittering résumé, underlining his versatility and competitive edge. Now fully fit and firing again for Toulouse.
He is seen as the ideal figure to guide a squad that combines seasoned internationals with a new wave of hopefuls. The return fixture against Ireland will provide an immediate test of both Dupont’s captaincy and Galthié’s squad decisions in the Rugby World Cup Final.
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Rugby World Cup: France Face Ireland with Dupont Back as Captain
Ireland remains one of France’s biggest rivals in the Six Nations and was the side against whom Dupont suffered his serious injury last season. The match in Paris, therefore, carries both symbolic and sporting significance, as France look to defend their title and set the tone for the tournament. While the absence of figures such as Fickou, Alldritt and Penaud has generated debate.
Galthié’s message has been clear: this is not about shutting doors but about opening new ones. He believes the long-term health of French rugby depends on constantly renewing the squad and exposing younger players to the demands of the Rugby World Cup early in their careers. As France prepares for another Six Nations campaign, the focus will be on whether this balance between experience.
Besides, youth can once again deliver success. With Dupont back at the helm and a new generation pushing through, Galthié appears confident that Les Bleus are well positioned not just for the weeks ahead.
With Dupont restored as captain and a new wave of talent being trusted on the international stage, France head into the Six Nations with both confidence and ambition. Galthié’s bold selections signal a clear intent to defend their title while continuing to build toward the future, ensuring Les Bleus remain a force in the Rugby World Cup not just this season, but well beyond it.
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