Vincent Clerc, a former French rugby winger, believes Antoine Dupont has the ability to attract a new generation of fans to rugby while simultaneously promoting rugby sevens. Dupont’s participation in rugby sevens, despite criticism from traditionalists, has proven successful, as he has guided France to victories in the World Rugby Sevens Series and both the Top 14 and Champions Cup with his club, Toulouse.Vincent Clerc, a former French rugby winger, believes Antoine Dupont has the ability to attract a new generation of fans to rugby while simultaneously promoting rugby sevens. Dupont’s participation in rugby sevens, despite criticism from traditionalists, has proven successful, as he has guided France to victories in the World Rugby Sevens Series and both the Top 14 and Champions Cup with his club, Toulouse. Clerc emphasizes Dupont’s exceptional talent and unprecedented performance, highlighting the benefits of the transition between sevens and 15s rugby. He credits sevens with enhancing Dupont’s skills, while also acknowledging that Dupont’s presence in sevens will elevate the sport’s image. Rugby sevens has historically struggled to gain traction due to the demanding schedule of 15-a-side rugby. However, Dupont’s ability to excel in both formats demonstrates the feasibility of players transitioning between them. World Rugby chief executive Alan Gilpin supports this notion, advocating for players to participate in both sevens and fifteens in major events. Fanny Horta, captain of the French women’s sevens team, praises Dupont’s on-field presence and positive impact on his teammates. Dupont’s exceptional abilities have boosted the popularity of rugby sevens, attracting large crowds to matches. Clerc believes that Dupont’s presence in rugby sevens will attract new fans to the sport, fostering a lasting interest in both sevens and 15-a-side rugby.
Paris (AFP) – Former French winger Vincent Clerc believes French star Antoine Dupont has the ability to attract a new generation of fans while putting rugby sevens firmly in the spotlight.
Issued on: 23/07/2024 – 14:38
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Dupont took the risk of missing the Six Nations to qualify for the French Olympic team, which many traditionalists criticised.
But the scrum half went on to help France to two victories in the World Rugby Sevens Series, including a win in the Madrid final.
In the meantime, he guided his club Toulouse to the Top 14 and the Champions Cup in the 15-a-side team.
“Antoine is an exceptional player and his performances are unparalleled at the moment,” Clerc said on Tuesday, a day before the start of the men’s Olympic rugby sevens tournament at the Stade de France.
“It will attract a new, different audience. Sevens has suffered for a long time from the 15-a-side calendar, where it has been very difficult for players to play both codes.”
Clerc, who played 67 caps for France, added: “Rugby sevens has improved some of Antoine’s skills, even though they were already at a very high level.
“And rugby sevens will benefit from Antoine’s image, his drive to promote rugby sevens and show that winning an Olympic medal in rugby is worth as much as the Top 14 title or the Champions Cup crown.”
Transition between sevens and 15s
World Rugby chief executive Alan Gilpin said Dupont has an unparalleled ability to transition from 15-player rugby to the short-form format, but that this should also be encouraged.
“It should be possible for players to play in both sevens and fifteens in the big global moments,” Gilpin said.
“What Antoine Dupont does is absolutely incredible. To make that transition not just once a season, but to do it back and forth, from player of the match in the Champions Cup on a weekend trip to France to leading the team to victory in the final of the sevens in Madrid, was incredible.
“And again, I think it inspires more players to want to do that.”
Clerc agreed that Dupont’s transition had shown the way.
“You see it is possible for 15s players to play sevens,” he said.
“It was thought to be too specific a sport, too difficult to transition into, but with careful management and intelligent coaching it is possible.”
Fanny Horta, captain of the French women’s team that won silver in Tokyo, said Dupont “has a presence on the court, someone who comes across as calm”.
“He gives the French team confidence. His teammates have improved their own game since he joined the squad.”
Dupont’s presence certainly gave the rugby league a boost, with 69,000 sold-out spectators on each of the three match days.
“Antoine is an exceptional player,” added Clerc, who was part of the French sevens team that won a series match in Paris in 2005.
“He may only play a few minutes, but he is capable of turning a game on its head. He brings a freshness and enthusiasm that is gripping.
“I hope his presence will attract a new audience, fans who will stay involved in rugby and continue to follow the sport, whether it’s seven-man or 15-man games.”
© 2024 AFP
