Antoine Dupont is back captaining France in the 2026 Six Nations, just a year after suffering a devastating ACL injury during the 2025 tournament.
Watch the Guinness Six Nations at your local Greene King sports pub.
Last year, he revealed the players he admires most—and the list reads like a roll call of the game’s fiercest competitors.
Let’s take a closer look at the three legends who’ve earned his respect and explore what truly sets them apart.
Beauden Barrett – The All Blacks’ Game-Changer
If anyone can make even Dupont sweat, it’s Beauden Barrett. New Zealand’s speedster isn’t just lightning fast—his rugby IQ is next level. Whether he’s running the show at fly-half or sweeping in at full-back, Barrett’s ability to read the game and create opportunities is unmatched.
With over 100 international caps and two World Rugby Player of the Year awards, Barrett’s legacy is already cemented. His breakneck pace, combined with silky offloads, make him a nightmare to defend. Dupont knows better than anyone how dangerous Barrett can be.
Game-changing ability? Through the roof. Usually found ghosting past defenders before anyone knows he’s there.
