France captain Antoine Dupont has surgery on fractured jaw but his ‘show must go on’ message opens the door to Rugby World Cup return

France captain Antoine Dupont has undergone surgery on a broken jaw suffered during the hosts’ victory over Namibia.

Dupont’s side emerged victorious 96-0 when they hosted Namibia, but the match did not end on a positive note.

The 26-year-old was taken off the field in the 46th minute after Johan Deysel saw red for a direct contact with the French star.

A statement has confirmed that Dupont has now undergone surgery on his broken jaw, as it said: ‘Following his injury sustained during the France-Namibia match, Antoine Dupont underwent surgery at Purpan University in Toulouse on September 22 at around 11pm.’

Dupont has since taken to social media as he sent a message to his fans X: ‘Touched but not sunk. The performance must go on. I look forward to meeting the group again. Thank you for your messages,’

The 26-year-old was taken off the field in the 46th minute after Johan Deysel saw red for a direct contact with the French star

A statement has confirmed that Dupont has now undergone surgery on his broken jaw

It remains to be seen whether the captain will play again, but he will be hopeful that his side will progress in the World Cup, allowing him to return and challenge for the trophy in his home country.

Following the injury, France head attack coach Laurent Labit revealed that the captain would remain with the team to help them attempt to lift the trophy for the first time.

“Antoine will stay with us, everyone will be together,” Labit revealed.

‘We will do what we have always done with short-term injuries, hoping that the surgeon’s opinion is positive for Antoine and us.

‘The specialist makes the decision and Antoine makes the decision.

‘We will respect that. We can’t think too far ahead.’

With the 26-year-old now undergoing surgery, it remains to be seen how long he will be sidelined.