France’s Urgent Quest for Dupont’s Return
France is leaving no stone unturned in its efforts to accelerate the return of star player Antoine Dupont, who sustained a facial fracture during a dominant 96-0 victory over Namibia in the Rugby World Cup.
Injury Strikes Dupont
During the match, Namibia’s captain, Johan Deysel, made a head-on-head tackle on Dupont, resulting in a red card for Deysel.
This incident not only raised concerns about player safety but also prompted social media abuse.
Racing Against Time
With Dupont’s availability for the remainder of the tournament in doubt, France is reportedly taking extra measures to ensure his presence in the upcoming quarter-finals.
Specialist-Designed Mask
Reports from Midi Olympique suggest that Antoine Dupont will consult with a specialist to create a mask that complies with World Rugby’s regulations.
Unlike some sports, rugby restricts the use of plastic or carbon fiber protective gear on the face.
Instead, any protective gear must be made from cloth or strapping materials, similar to what Imanol Harinordoquy wore during the 2010 Champions Cup semi-final. Additionally, the thickness of the protective material must not exceed 5mm when uncompressed.
World Rugby’s Regulations
World Rugby’s regulation 12.4 outlines the prohibited items of clothing, including restrictions on the thickness and density of padding and fabric.
It emphasizes the importance of adhering to these rules for player safety.
Exemption for Other Materials
Former France Rugby doctor Jean-Baptiste Grisoli confirmed that while carbon fiber masks are prohibited, exemptions can be requested for protective gear made from other materials.
Crucial Quarter-final Looms
The significance of Antoine Dupont’s return is underscored by the impending quarter-final clash between France and the Springboks.
This match, scheduled for Sunday, October 15, is one that the host nation is eagerly anticipating.
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