Antoine Dupont ruled out of Nations Championship

France captain Antoine Dupont will miss all three of France’s July Nations Championship fixtures after being withdrawn from the squad by the French rugby federation.

Antoine Dupont To Miss Nations Championship

Dupont had already been unavailable for France’s opening Nations Championship match against New Zealand on July 4. The French rugby federation has now confirmed that the Toulouse scrum-half will also miss the fixtures against Australia on July 11 and Japan on July 18.

No reason was given for his absence from the squad. His withdrawal means France will be without one of their most influential players for the opening phase of the new international competition.

Paul Graou Replaces Antoine Dupont

Dupont has been replaced in the squad by Toulouse team-mate Paul Graou. The change comes shortly after Dupont helped Toulouse secure a fourth consecutive Top 14 title with victory over Montpellier.

France Nations Championship Schedule

The Nations Championship brings together northern and southern hemisphere teams in a new international format. France begin their campaign against New Zealand before facing Australia and Japan in consecutive July fixtures.

The competition will continue in November, with teams playing three further rounds before final placing matches are staged at Twickenham later in the month.