France team to face Ireland - Antoine Dupont returns for 2026 Six Nations opener

Antoine Dupont is ready to make his long awaited return to the France team, with the Stade Toulousain superstar named to start at scrum half and spearhead the side into another Six Nations campaign. It was the very same fixture from last year's competition, which saw Dupont suffer a devastating cruciate knee ligament injury, after being cleared out of a ruck in Dublin's Aviva Stadium.

Dupont was put on the injury side-lines for eight months, having made his club return to the Top 14 and Champions Cup campaigns. Head coach Galthie has laid down a statement of intent ahead of the 2026 Six Nations, with no place in the entire training squad for established France internationals Gael Fickou, Damien Penaud or Gregory Alldritt. Galthie named eight uncapped players in his preparation squad, in what has brought a 'new era' feel to his exciting French team.

15. Thomas Ramos

14. Theo Attissogbe

13. Nicolas Depoortere

12. Yoram Moefana

11. Louis Bielle-Biarrey

10. Matthieu Jalibert

9. Antoine Dupont

1. Jean-Baptiste Gros

2. Julien Marchand

3. Dorian Aldegheri

4. Charles Ollivon

5. Mickael Guillard

6. Francois Cros

7. Oscar Jegou

8. Anthony Jelonch

REPLACEMENTS

16. Peato Mauvaka

17. Rodrigue Neti

18. Regis Montagne

19. Hugo Auradou

20. Emmanuel Meafou

21. Lenni Nouchi

22. Baptiste Serin

23. Kalvin Gougues