Ahead of the 2026 Guinness Six Nations which begins on Thursday night in Paris, France captain and global rugby superstar Antoine Dupont is raring to go after almost a year out of international rugby following a serious knee injury.

He spoke to the gathering media earlier this week.

How are you feeling going into the game against Ireland?

Antoine Dupont:

We are motivated and excited about the first game at home. It will be a bit strange to play on Thursday night, but we are taking the opportunity to play the opening game of the Six Nations. It is always special, and we know everyone will be watching, so we have to be ready for that.

You have a number of uncapped players in the squad. How are we going to see this new side gel?

Antoine Dupont:

They are doing very well at the moment in the Top 14, so it is rare for them to be available for selection. We all know that when you are on the field, you have to give 110 percent. I think it will help the team to bring a lot of energy and motivation, and to create a different atmosphere during the preparation for these games.

Has that changed how you prepare for matches like this?

Antoine Dupont:

Not really, because the game plan is the same for most of the players as it has been for the last few years. We know each other very well. Even the uncapped players have been involved in November or in the last Six Nations, even if they did not play. This is just the next phase of our group.

For you personally, there is always so much excitement around you. Even here, everyone wants a photo when you step on stage. How do you handle that?

Antoine Dupont:

I have been in this position for the last few years now, so I focus on myself, the team, and my personal objectives. I am demanding enough of myself already, so I do not put extra pressure on myself because of the environment. I try to stay focused on that.

How important is it to get off to a strong start here?

Antoine Dupont:

We know this tournament is very demanding. There is no room for mistakes. If you lose the first game at home, it becomes very difficult to win the tournament. So it is extremely important to start well.

After the Six Nations, there is also a big year of rugby ahead.

Antoine Dupont:

Like every year, we will experience a new competition, the Nations Cup. We do not know much about it yet, so we will see how it goes. It is always tricky for French players, because the first summer international is just one week after the Top 14 final. That is always a challenge for us. Sometimes it makes these games difficult, and it can be disappointing. We will see how we manage that.

 France face Ireland on Thursday evening at Stade de France kick off 2100 CET 2010 GMT live on ITV