Antoine Dupont becomes the world's most expensive rugby player

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: France captain Antoine Dupont has signed a contract extension with Top 14 club Toulouse until 2031.

He will now remain at the record 24-time French champions until his 34th birthday.

While the club have not disclosed financial details, according to various media reports, the deal is understood to have made Dupont the best-paid rugby player in the world and will see him through the next two Rugby World Cups.

Dupont has been sidelined since March with a serious knee injury and is not expected to return to action until next month.

He was present when the contract extension was announced at half-time of Toulouse’s Top 14 game with Stade Francais at the Stade Ernest-Wallon.

“You all know it was a boyhood dream to wear this shirt one day, it’s now my adulthood dream to continue the adventure here,” the 59-time international told the fans.

“It’s even more special for me to share this with you. I miss you a lot, and I hope the next time we see each other I’ll have boots on my feet,” he said.

Dupont will miss France’s three Nations Series games. They face South Africa next Saturday, Fiji the following week and Australia on November 22.

A kid with a big dream ❤️🖤

C’est officiel, Antoine Dupont sera Toulousain jusqu’en 2031 ✍️#TrajectoireStade pic.twitter.com/Y9HnZQud2E

— Stade Toulousain (@StadeToulousain) November 1, 2025