Alldritt is France's new captain for Six Nations as Dupont sits out to prepare for Olympics

Gregory Alldritt of France takes the ball forward during the... — Gregory Alldritt of France takes the ball forward during the Six Nations rugby union international match between England and France at Twickenham stadium, London Saturday, Mar., 12, 2023. Backrow specialist Grégory Alldritt will replace star scrumhalf Antoine Dupont as captain for France's upcoming Six Nations campaign, with Dupont left out because he's playing rugby 7s at the Paris Olympics this summer. Credit: AP/Alastair Grant

By The Associated PressUpdated January 17, 2024

PARIS — Backrow specialist Grégory Alldritt will replace star scrumhalf Antoine Dupont as captain for France's upcoming Six Nations campaign, with Dupont left out because he's playing rugby 7s at the Paris Olympics this summer.

Coach Fabien Galthié called up six uncapped players Wednesday in his 34-man squad to prepare for the tournament.

France opens its campaign against defending champion Ireland on Feb. 2 in Marseille, then travels to play Scotland before hosting Italy on Feb. 25. France then goes to Wales before concluding its campaign at home against England on March 16.

The 26-year-old Alldritt, who can also operate as a flanker, has won 45 caps and was a key player in France's Rugby World Cup campaign last year.

Les Tricolores lost 29-28 to eventual champion South Africa in the quarterfinals. Dupont captained France in that game, only 3 1/2 weeks after suffering a broken cheekbone against Namibia.

Dupont is widely considered the world’s best player but needs time to adapt to the 7s format of the game.

France finished the Six Nations in second place last year.