Antoine Dupont targeting Olympic gold as Ireland's Terry Kennedy hits milestone

04.03.2024 - 13:53 rte.ie

Antoine Dupont believes France have what it takes to finally claim an Olympic medal, and possibly gold, in Rugby Sevens after Les Bleus won the Los Angeles men's title with a thrilling semi-final win over Ireland helping them on their way.Dupont, who skipped rugby union's Six Nations to focus on Paris 2024 preparations, came on as a second-half substitute and set up Theo Forner for France's third try as they beat Britain 21-0 in the final at the Los Angeles Sevens on Sunday.It was France's first title in Rugby Sevens since 2005.It was a comfortable win, a long way from their semi-final where they were 26-24 victors over Ireland.Jordan Conroy gave Ireland the perfect start but they trailed 12-7 at the break with Dupont grabbing France's first try.A brace of Terry Kennedy tries, the first his 100th for the side, either side of a Zac Ward score, meant that Ireland – who would go on to claim third place with a 24-7 win over Spain - won the second half, but they couldn’t reel their opponents in.History.

Ireland Rugby Sport Rugby as Antoine Dupont Les Bleus Britain France Spain Ireland Los Angeles Jordan

On the cusp of seven seconds 20-year-old starlet Wirtz stunned the crowd in Lyon to give Germany the lead, before Kai Havertz wrapped up the encounter just after half-time in an impressive display by the Euro 2024 hosts.

Hosts France Get Kind Olympic Draw As Kylian Mbappe Uncertainty Lingers

Thierry Henry's France side are firm favourites to progress following a kind group draw for men's football at the 2024 Olympic Games on Wednesday, as the hosts wait to see if Kylian Mbappe will be made available. "Nothing is easy," said Henry after the draw, but his side, already amongst the favourites for the gold medal on home turf, avoided potential pitfalls in not drawing Morocco and Egypt. Les Bleus are in Group A of the 16-team tournament with New Zealand, USA and the winners of the AFC-CAF play-off, as they seek to win a second Olympic gold after success in 1984.

Hosts France favourites after kind men's 2024 Olympic football draw

"Nothing is easy," said Henry after the draw, but his side, already amongst the favourites for the gold medal on home turf, avoided potential pitfalls in not drawing Morocco and Egypt.

Bundee Aki nominated for 6 Nations Player of the Championship

Bundee Aki's continued good form has been recognised with a nomination for Player of the Championship in the Guinness Six Nations.

Antoine Griezmann Record Run Ends With France Forward Injured For Friendlies

Antoine Griezmann was on Monday ruled out of France's friendlies against Germany and Chile with an ankle sprain ending his record run of playing 84 consecutive games for Les Bleus. The Atletico Madrid star will be absent from the French squad for the first time since November 2016 as France play their final friendlies before the Euro 2024 tournament from June 14-July 14. Griezmann has appeared on the pitch for France in every match since a friendly against England in June 2017, when the forward was an unused sub.

Griezmann's record run with France ends after forward suffers ankle injury

The Atletico Madrid star will be absent from the French squad for the first time since November 2016 as France play their final friendlies before the Euro 2024 tournament from June 14-July 14.