French rugby's poster boy Antoine Dupont has followed his sevens gold medal at the Olympics by winning the Top 14's player of the year award for a third time.
Widely regarded as the best rubgy player in the world, scrum-half Dupont played a starring role as France claimed Olympic gold in July having helped his club Toulouse to a record 23rd league title and a sixth Champions Cup crown earlier in the summer.
As well as being named the Top 14's player of the year on Monday, Dupont – who was flag-bearer for the French delegation at the closing ceremony of the Olympic Games – also garnered the title of best French international for the fourth time in a row.
This is his third double as best player in the league and in the national team, following those of 2021 and 2023.
Kept in reserve by his Toulouse club after a long season, which culminated with the sevens title at the Olympic Games, he is expected to be back on the Top 14 pitch by early or mid-October, ahead of three November tests with France against Japan, New Zealand and Argentina.
Stade Toulousain – two-time defending champions and last year's league and Champions Cup double winners – have again won the title of best management staff, with coach Ugo Mola at the helm.
'Incredible emotions'
"You have to measure how lucky you are to win trophies, be that as a team or individually," Dupont said at Monday's ceremony in central Paris.
"It's always nice to have nights like this ... We were lucky to feel incredible emotions, be that with Toulouse or the Olympic medal.
"We've realised that we've done something great this year," he added.
Stade Français' South African centre Jeremy Ward and Bordeaux-Bègles' Japanese No.8 Tevita Tatafu were also shortlisted for the prize voted by players in the top French league.
In other categories, Seraphine Okemba claimed the women's international award and Pau winger Theo Attissogbe claimed the title of breakthrough player of the season.
The best try of the Top 14 season went to Stade Français winger Penisai Dakuwaqa for a spectacular 100m solo run across the line.
(with AFP)
