France’s Antoine Dupont says injury incident was accidental ahead of Six Nations opener against Ireland.
©Steve Haag
Antoine Dupont says he holds no resentment over the incident that caused his serious knee injury as he prepares to lead France against Ireland in the Six Nations opener in Paris.
Dupont spent more than nine months out after rupturing cruciate ligaments during France’s win in Dublin last year.
The injury occurred during a ruck clearout involving Ireland forwards Tadhg Beirne and Andrew Porter, which drew criticism at the time but was later accepted as accidental.
The scrum-half returned to action for Toulouse late last year and said he feels physically ready for international rugby again.
Dupont confirmed both Irish players contacted him after the incident and he viewed it as part of the game rather than deliberate foul play.
“Physically, I feel very well,” said Dupont.
“As I said from the beginning of my comeback, I found very good sensations so I am happy to have been able to have several games before the opening of the Six Nations.
“For last year, I think it’s an accident.
“Both players sent me messages on Instagram after the game and I said, ‘No worries, I know that it was an accident, it happens sometimes’.”