Antoine Dupont scores off the pitch – dating Miss France, Miss Universe & future doctor!

The 28-year-old scrum-half limped off just 28 minutes into France’s crunch clash against Ireland in Round 4 at the Aviva Stadium, having ruptured the cruciate ligament in his right knee – the second such injury of his career.

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Despite losing their star man, Les Bleus powered through the final round to clinch the Six Nations title, downing Scotland in Paris. Dupont, though sidelined, was given a thunderous ovation when his face popped up on the big screen at the Stade de France. He later joined his teammates post-match – hobbling on stage to lift the trophy alongside stand-in skipper Grégory Alldritt, as fans roared their approval.

Following a short recovery break, Dupont underwent surgery on Monday in Toulouse. According to 

L’Équipe, the damage extended beyond his ACL, with medial meniscus and collateral ligament injuries also reported.

While his rugby boots are off for now, Dupont’s been stepping out in style – this time with a new romantic partner.

The France captain was spotted in the stands at Roland-Garros over the weekend, watching the French Open final alongside none other than former Miss Universe and Miss France, Iris Mittenaere.

The glamorous couple have been turning heads recently – first seen gracing the red carpet at Cannes, and now soaking up the spotlight in Paris.

Mittenaere, crowned Miss France in 2016 before conquering the Miss Universe stage, has since carved out a career in media and fashion. And now, with Dupont by her side, the power couple are making waves both on and off the field.

2025 might have brought a setback for Dupont on the pitch – but off it, things couldn’t be looking brighter.

Born January 25, 1993, in Lille — Irène Mittenaere entered the world to a pair of educators: Yves, a middle school history and geography teacher, and Laurence, a primary schoolteacher and part-time museum guide. Childhood wasn't picture-perfect.

Her parents split when she was just three. Irène grew up in Steenvoorde with her mom, alongside her siblings — brother Baptiste, sister Cassandre, and later, half-sister Manon.

Science-minded and sharp, she graduated with honors in 2011 from lycée. Then came the move back to Lille — this time for university. She dove into dentistry at Lille 2 University of Health and Law, grinding through lectures, labs, and late nights.

By the time the Miss France crown landed on her head, Irène wasn’t just smiling for the cameras — she was deep into year five of a dental surgery fellowship, eyes still fixed on becoming a dental surgeon. Beauty queen? Sure. But first: future doctor.

In August 2022, Iris Mittenaere got engaged to French-Moroccan businessman Diego El Glaoui after three years together.

Following their split in 2024, she began dating 22-year-old Bruno Pelat, grandson of Roger-Patrice Pelat. The relationship ended in scandal—Mittenaere filed a digital complaint in September alleging domestic violence and drug use. Pelat was handed a 12-month prison sentence, a two-year suspended probation, and ordered to pay €2,000 in damages.

By spring 2025, Mittenaere was reportedly dating French rugby sensation Dupont.

In a recent Q&A, Dupont revealed the players he considers his toughest opponents. When asked about the stars he respects most, he didn’t hesitate: “There are lots of good players around these days. Beauden Barrett, Faf de Klerk, Owen Farrell to name a few.”

Let’s break down why these three have earned Dupont’s respect and what makes them such formidable foes.

If there’s one player who can keep even Dupont on edge, it’s Beauden Barrett. The All Black speedster isn’t just one of the fastest players in world rugby—his rugby IQ is through the roof. Whether he’s playing at fly-half or full-back, Barrett’s ability to read the game and create space is second to none.

With over 100 international caps and two World Rugby Player of the Year awards to his name, Barrett has built a legacy of dominance. His blistering acceleration and silky offloads make him a nightmare to defend against, and Dupont knows better than most how lethal he can be.

Capacity to turn a match on its head? Unlimited. Location? Usually ghosting through defensive lines before anyone realises he’s gone.

South Africa’s Faf de Klerk may be one of the smallest players on the pitch, but his impact is colossal. The 5’7” scrum-half is a relentless defensive disruptor, always snapping at the heels of opposing playmakers. His lightning-quick service, fearless tackling, and tactical kicking make him a constant threat.

Dupont has clashed with De Klerk on the biggest stages, and he knows just how effective the Springbok livewire can be. Whether it’s frustrating opponents with his defensive reads or launching pinpoint box kicks, De Klerk embodies the physical, high-energy style that has made South Africa a dominant force.

When the Boks lifted the 2019 Rugby World Cup, De Klerk was at the heart of their success, proving that size means nothing when you’ve got heart, skill, and a relentless motor.

Few players bring the same level of intensity to a match as Owen Farrell. England’s former captain and all-time top points scorer is known for his unshakable leadership, aggressive defence, and ruthless game management.

Farrell’s presence on the pitch is imposing—whether he’s smashing into tackles, dictating play with his boot, or barking instructions to his teammates. He’s a player who thrives in high-pressure moments, and Dupont has had to navigate that fire more than once.

With over 100 caps for England, a Rugby World Cup final appearance, and multiple Six Nations titles to his name, Farrell’s track record speaks for itself. He’s a master of the dark arts of defence, and Dupont knows that when Farrell is in the opposition lineup, it’s going to be a battle.

For Dupont to name these three as his toughest opponents says a lot. Each of them has tested him in different ways—whether it’s Barrett’s speed, De Klerk’s defensive chaos, or Farrell’s brutal physicality. But if there’s one thing we know about Dupont, it’s that he relishes a challenge. And with players like these keeping him on his toes, his greatness is only being sharpened further.

From thrilling tries to hard-fought battles against the All Blacks, this squad etched their names in rugby history by securing a memorable drawn series.

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