The China Mail - France great Benazzi relishing 'genius' Dupont's Six Nations return

Scrum-half Dupont, one of rugby's most gifted individuals, suffered a serious knee injury last March which sidelined the 29-year-old for eight months.

The 2021 World Rugby player of the year has become a global name, even securing a sponsorship deal with luxury brand Louis Vuitton, to take the sport beyond its traditional spheres.

"It's not every decade but from time to time, you have a genius like that," Six Nations council president Benazzi, a former France forward who won 78 caps, told AFP.

"But he's a genius who has his feet on the ground, so humble. We need him in rugby, as he reflects what rugby's about.

"I'm convinced he will be even better than he was before."

Morocco-born Benazzi, 57, was appointed FFR deputy in early 2025.

His political roles make him a key power broker in decisions about rugby's future, beginning with a meeting on February 22, where the subject of a global calendar will be discussed as well as moving the Six Nations and the Rugby Championship closer together.

The European competition is currently held between February and March while the southern hemisphere tournament runs between August and October.

"There could be just a gap of two weeks between the two," Benazzi said.

"It could be something fantastic. For the players, for the understanding of the game, for player welfare, as well as for the broadcasters, for harmonisation of the calendar which includes the club leagues."

This season the Six Nations, a tournament dating back more than a century, starts on Thursday -- the first time in the competition a game will take place on that day.

- Flament 'respect' -

The fixture has been moved to midweek as French broadcasters wanted toavoid a clash with the Winter Olympic opening ceremony on Friday.

"I think, having worked on it, studied it, the France v Ireland game, is a bit like Roland Garros or the Champions League," Benazzi said.

"We would have had the same support even on a Tuesday.

"We anticipated things. We told the supporters early. The stadium will be full."

One big name missing from the France side for this week's opener is lock Thibaut Flament, unavailable for head coach Fabien Galthie as he accompanies his wife in fertility treatment.

"When I read about it, I had a tear in my eye, as I experienced it myself," an emotional Benazzi said.

"We had a child, we wanted another, we didn't succeed. We had five attempts, when I was with my wife the whole time.

"I totally understand his choice, I respect it perfectly."

V.Fan--ThChM