Antoine Dupont, the 27-year-old French rugby union star, has expressed his intention to make his sevens debut at the Vancouver SVNS event in pursuit of his Olympic dream of winning a medal at the upcoming Paris Olympic Games this summer. His choice to depart from the Six Nations competition in favour of pursuing sevens rugby has garnered attention, as he joins the ranks of XVs players aiming to transition to the faster pace and different style of play in the sevens format.
The shift from XVs to sevens rugby presents notable challenges, as demonstrated by the experiences of other prominent players who have attempted and not succeeded in the past. However, Dupont’s dedication and determination are evident from his decision to undertake this transition, opting to forgo his involvement in the Six Nations in order to concentrate on his Olympic aspirations.
Fitness and speed of play are fundamental elements in the sevens format, with the fast-paced nature of the game necessitating peak physical condition and an ability to adapt to the intense speed of play. According to former Saracens centre and USA international Chris Wyles, who transitioned to sevens for the Rio Olympics, the fitness requirements for sevens differ significantly from XVs, highlighting the necessity for rigorous training and conditioning to meet the demands of the game.
Dupont’s choice to prioritize his participation in the sevens squad demonstrates his commitment to securing a place in the 12-man Olympic roster. This bold move serves as a testament to his dedication and conveys a strong message to his fellow players about his unwavering determination.
With his notable skills and expertise as a scrum-half in XVs rugby, Dupont has the potential to excel in the sevens format, offering valuable versatility and adaptability on the pitch. His high rugby IQ and ability to read the game are assets that could set him apart as he navigates the challenges of the sevens format. While the transition to a different style of play presents its own set of obstacles, there is optimism surrounding Dupont’s prospects in the sevens arena.
The mental fortitude required for a sevens tournament is another aspect that distinguishes it from XVs rugby, as underscored by former England and Great Britain sevens captain Tom Mitchell. The ability to consistently perform at peak levels across multiple games within a short timeframe is a defining characteristic of successful sevens players, presenting a unique challenge that demands exceptional resilience and skill.
As Dupont embarks on his journey to compete in sevens rugby, he brings with him a wealth of experience and success from his endeavours in XVs rugby, including his recent attainment of the 2022 Grand Slam with France. While the road to Olympic glory is rife with competition and uncertainty, Dupont’s determination and special qualities could very well propel France to sevens success on the world stage, bolstered by the support of a fervent home crowd at the Stade de France on 27th July.
As he faces the initial challenge of securing a place in the final Olympic squad, Dupont’s pursuit of Olympic glory represents the culmination of years of dedication and perseverance, underscoring his status as one of the most promising talents in the world of rugby.