Les Bleus' talisman claims Six Nations top gong
SPOTLIGHT: Antoine Dupont Crowned 2020 Six Nations Player of the Championship.
Dupont becomes the first-ever Frenchman to be awarded one of rugby’s greatest individual accolades, a prize that has been won by an illustrious list of the game’s top players, including Brian O’Driscoll, Stuart Hogg, Andrea Masi and Shane Williams.
The 23-year-old France scrumhalf was a creative hub for his team, a menace with the ball in hand whose athleticism kept defences on the back foot, while also dovetailing effectively with half-back partner Romain Ntamack.
No scrumhalf made more than Dupont’s 249 metres with ball in hand, while his 54 kicks for 1,543 metres (both Championship highs) proved there is another facet to his game outside his electric running in the open field. Dupont’s Championship-high 12 offloads showcased his ability to keep the ball alive.
Dupont’s French team, rejuvenated under the guidance of Fabien Galthié, had a scintillating Six Nations campaign, narrowly missing out on the title to England on points difference on a fascinating ‘Super Saturday’ to end an extended Six Nations campaign like no other.
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France kickstarted their Six Nations campaign with a 24-17 win over Rugby World Cup finalists England, before beating Wales 27-23 and Italy 35-22. In France’s last fixture before the coronavirus lockdown, Scotland pulled off an unlikely 17-28 victory to open up the Championship, setting up a fitting ‘Super Saturday’ finale, with France, England and Ireland all in the mix to claim the Championship.
Ben Morel, Chief Executive of Six Nations Rugby said: “I would like to personally congratulate Antoine Dupont on an outstanding tournament.
“His talent clearly transcended borders with fans from all six Unions giving him their support in huge numbers.
“To win this award at such a young age is quite some accomplishment. Bravo Antoine!”
#GUINNESSSIXNATIONS PLAYER OF THE CHAMPIONSHIP!
Antoine Dupont is your #GuinnessSixNations Player of the Championship for 2020!!! pic.twitter.com/shvwJAbmFp
ADVERTISEMENT— Guinness Six Nations (@SixNationsRugby) November 6, 2020
