2023-10-05 15:00:33
“Let’s take things in order: the subject is first of all to know whether the surgeon believes that Antoine can play or not. » Determined to prioritize the health of the player, Florian Grill, president of the French Rugby Federation (FFR), returned to LeParisian, on September 27, on the probable return of Antoine Dupont to the field. While the French team prepares to face Italy, without him, on Friday October 6, the hoped-for return of the captain of the Blues, victim of a facial fracture during the match against Namibia on September 21, is on the horizon. all lips.
Between the lines, the leader of the FFR recalled the hierarchy to follow to give an opinion. “It is necessarily a medical decision which must first be made by the French team doctor, after consultation with the surgeon who took care of the operation”recalls Jean-Philippe Hager, doctor of the French XV during the 2011 World Cup. “In this type of decision, there are consolidation deadlines which cannot be reduced for ordinary people, he explains, but in an event like a Rugby World Cup, certain decisions can be modified due to sporting issues. »
A crucial appointment with the surgeon on October 9
For concussions, the protocol is clearly stated by the international body World Rugby: physical rest of at least one week must be prescribed for an adult player concussed or suspected of being concussed. On the other hand, everything relating to fractures, as here for Antoine Dupont, is subject to evaluation by the medical staff of the club or the national team. « Studies on high-level rugby players have shown that this type of injury could cause a break of barely one month, so ultimately it is consistent with what is announced.reassures Jean-Philippe Hager. The fact of having been operated on still gives security. »
“For me, doctors must have the last word, tempers Olivier Magne, former international of the XV of France. Now there are the pressures that we know around such a decision. »
As it stands, a crucial appointment with his surgeon awaits Antoine Dupont on Monday October 9. If the medical lights are green, the decision will therefore fall to the player and his coach, Fabien Galthié. It seems likely that the iconic captain will not be asked. “The very nature of an athlete is to be committed. Antoine is well aware that a World Cup at home, with the added opportunity of going all the way, is something unique,” believes Olivier Magne. In this context, pressure and expectation can be a “obstacle to a fully considered decision on the part of the player”judges the man with 89 selections.
The FFR, eager to correct the dangerous image of rugby
During the negotiation, the medical team of the XV of France must warn the player of the risks of a hasty return. “Together, they will come together and ask themselves the following question: do we assume a risk by knowing all the elements? And above all, are we sure not to aggravate the injury? », specifies Jean-Philippe Hager. The doctor reminds that this is a medical responsibility “but also administrative”. “Antoine Dupont had a work accident and there, and there is a return to work, with significant financial issues for the selection but also for his club (Toulouse Stadium, Editor’s note). »
For a quarter-final which promises to be tough, most likely against Ireland or South Africa, the return of the master of the Blues remains to be hoped for. Olivier Magne believes that in the future the case of Antoine Dupont “must go to school”. For the FFR wishing to correct the dangerous image of its discipline, a tenure for Antoine Dupont could prove risky. “It’s up to management to be ready to give up if necessary. It’s also the idea that the player avoids having possible after-effects and, for our sport, it’s a great message”believes the former finalist from 1999.
The rest of the France group, him, patient. “Everyone is waiting. Ultimately, this can undermine the group, warns Olivier Magne. The players need to be released and therefore need to know quickly. » The group of 23 Blues selected for the quarter-final should be announced Thursday October 12 at the latest.
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