France skipper Dupont suffers ruptured cruciate knee ligament
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Antoine Dupont confirmed he suffered ruptured cruciate knee ligaments during France's Six Nations victory over Ireland.
Les Bleus' skipper was forced off after just 30 minutes at the Aviva Stadium, where his nation boosted their championship hopes with a 42-27 win.
Dupont was challenged by Tadhg Beirne, who then fell on the scrum-half's right leg as team-mate Andrew Porter joined the subsequent ruck.
The incident, which was not reviewed by TMO during the game, angered head coach Fabien Galthie, who referred the Ireland duo to the citing commissioner for potential retrospective punishment.
"The heart hurts even more than the knee when you have to leave your friends before the last step," Dupont posted on Instagram.
"I am proud of what we accomplished yesterday, and with all my strength with you, you will do it. Rupture of the cruciate ligaments. This is the beginning of a new challenge, I'll see you in a few months on the field."
France will secure their first Six Nations title since 2022 with a bonus-point victory over Scotland next weekend.
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