France skipper Antoine Dupont has gone under the knife following a serious knee injury sustained during this year’s Six Nations.
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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.
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.
New romance off the pitch?
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.
Who is she?
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.
Dating History
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.
couples
Here’s a look at the top rugby couples whose bonds—and bank accounts—have made them iconic.
Johnny & Laura Sexton – The Dublin Dream Team (£6m)
From teenage sweethearts to one of rugby’s wealthiest pairs, Johnny and Laura Sexton have captured fans’ hearts as much as Johnny’s kicks have clinched games. Their love story began at Rathgar Tennis Club, blossoming all the way to marriage in 2013.
With three kids cheering on dad from the sidelines, the Sextons are as iconic off the field as Johnny is on it. The couple’s journey—from Saint Mary’s College to University College Dublin—stands as a testament to commitment and love.
Siya & Rachel Kolisi – The Power Couple with a Purpose (£10m)
Siya and Rachel Kolisi’s £10 million empire wasn’t just built on rugby; it’s infused with purpose. The Kolisis are widely admired for their philanthropic work, especially through the Kolisi Foundation, which uplifts underprivileged communities.
Although the couple recently parted ways, Rachel remains a key influence in Siya’s life. Now back with the Sharks after a stint in France, Siya continues to value her steadfast support. Despite the split, their legacy as South Africa’s “golden couple” lives on.
Mike & Zara Tindall – Royal Connections and Reality TV (£20m)
“Fridge” by nickname, royalty by association, Mike Tindall’s wealth and fame go beyond rugby. Married to Zara Phillips, Queen Elizabeth II’s granddaughter, Tindall has firmly planted himself in British pop culture. From breaking his nose eight times to breaking records in rugby, Mike’s career has been nothing short of resilient.
Since retirement, he’s taken his profile to new heights with appearances on shows like I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here and Bear Grylls: Mission Survive. His estimated £20 million fortune proves rugby and royalty make quite the combo.
Jonny & Shelley Wilkinson – A Hero’s Quiet Empire (£22m)
Jonny Wilkinson isn’t just a legend on the field; he’s a legend in love too. After leading England to the 2003 Rugby World Cup victory, Wilkinson has kept a low profile with his wife, Shelley Jenkins.
They wed in 2013 on the scenic French Riviera, and now with a young son, they’re embracing family life in the quiet lane. Worth £22 million, Jonny’s legacy as one of rugby’s finest is matched by his financial success and family’s privacy.
Sonny Bill & Alana Williams – The Ring, the Romance, and the Riches (£20m)
Sonny Bill Williams, the Kiwi powerhouse, is famed not just for rugby but for his ventures into the boxing ring. Known for his versatility on the field and knockout power off it, he’s carved a unique sports career.
His whirlwind romance with Alana Raffie, culminating in a four-week engagement, sparked as much intrigue as his sporting accomplishments. Now worth £20 million, the couple’s success story includes rugby, league, boxing, and plenty of endorsements.