Dupont’s Olympic squad confirmed as French Rugby Federation announces squads for Paris Games

PARIS — Antoine Dupont, Olympian. One of the world’s best rugby players will be given the new designation after being named in France’s sevens squad for the Paris Olympics, which begin later this month.

The 27-year-old Dupont, already one of the most decorated players in 15-a-side play, joined the sevens squad earlier this year with the aim of winning an Olympic gold medal on home soil.

He played three sevens world series tournaments for a return of two golds and a bronze, and needed only to stay healthy through his regular club commitments to have his selection confirmed when the French Rugby Federation announced the men’s and women’s Olympic squads on Monday.

“After an emotionally intense season,” the federation said, “the management team has announced the list of players selected to defend the French colours during the rugby sevens events at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.”

The already high expectations for the French men’s team were raised even higher after it won its first World Series title last month in Madrid, beating leaders Argentina 19-5 in the final.

This season, the French men already won the World Series in Los Angeles in March, their first tournament victory in 19 years.

France started the World Series final in Madrid in fifth place, but managed to beat two-time Olympic champions Fiji in the semi-final and then Argentina in the decisive final.

“We have a big goal in a few weeks,” France coach Jerome Daret said at the time, “and maybe it’s to win the Olympic Games.”

Dupont’s Sevens teammate Paulin Riva explained the reason for the recent success: “When he is on the field we have a lot of confidence.”

The French women’s team finished second in the World Series final, behind 2016 Olympic champions Australia. And despite never having won a title on the World Series Tour, the French women are strong contenders for a medal in Paris.

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Teams:

Men: Jean-Pascal Barraque, Antoine Dupont, Théo Forner, Aaron Grandidier Nkanang, Jefferson Lee Joseph, Stephen Parez-edo Martin, Varian Pasquet, Rayan Rebbadj, Paulin Riva, Jordan Sepho, Andy Timo, Antoine Zeghdar.

Women: Anne-Cécile Ciofani, Lili Dezou, Caroline Drouin, Camille Grassineau, Joanna Grisez, Chloé Jacquet, Iän Jason, Carla Neisen, Lou Noel Rivier, Séraphine Okemba, Chloé Pelle, Yolaine Yengo.