BBC Rugby Union: Antoine Dupont’s Remarkable Trophy Haul
At just 27 years old, France captain Antoine Dupont has cemented his status as one of the greatest rugby players of the modern era, amassing an astonishing 26 individual awards.
The scrum-half, widely regarded as the best player in the game, has consistently delivered standout performances for both his club Toulouse and the national team. Planet Rugby takes a closer look at Dupont’s trophy-laden journey year by year.
In 2017, the then-21-year-old Dupont was named the Breakthrough Player of the Season at the Nuit du Rugby Awards after a stellar campaign with Castres. A move to Toulouse the following year was soon marred by a cruciate ligament injury, limiting his playing time in 2018.
However, Dupont bounced back in style, inspiring Toulouse to their first Top 14 title in seven years in 2019 and claiming the coveted Midi Olympique Golden Award. He would go on to win the prestigious award again in 2020, becoming only the third player to achieve back-to-back honors.
The 2021 season proved to be Dupont’s most trophy-laden yet, as he guided Toulouse to a historic Top 14-Champions Cup double. His performances earned him the Top 14 Player of the Year award, the Nuit du Rugby International Player of the Season, and his first World Rugby Player of the Year accolade.
Dupont’s success continued in 2022, captaining France to their first Six Nations Grand Slam in 12 years. He was once again named the Six Nations Player of the Championship, a feat he would repeat in 2023, becoming only the third player to achieve the honor multiple times.
While Toulouse were unable to defend their titles in 2022, Dupont added to his growing collection of individual awards, including his second World Rugby Oscar and a third Nuit du Rugby International Player of the Season award.
The 2024 season has seen Dupont juggle his club and international commitments with a debut campaign in rugby sevens, where he immediately emerged as one of the best players in the HSBC SVNS series, leading France to their first title in nearly two decades and earning the Rookie of the Year award.
With a World Cup looming on home soil, the rugby union world waits with bated breath to see what other accolades Dupont can add to his already remarkable trophy haul.
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