Stade Toulousain has officially extended Antoine Dupont's contract until 2031, announced at halftime during the match against Stade Français. The star scrum-half of the French national team, whose deal was set to expire in June 2027, has signed for four more seasons. At 28 years old, this extension could mark the end of his career with the club.
On Saturday evening, at halftime of the Top 14 clash between Toulouse and Stade Français at Ernest-Wallon stadium, Stade Toulousain unveiled an 'exceptional surprise' promised to its supporters. Antoine Dupont, scrum-half and captain of the French national team, has extended his contract by four seasons, until 2031. At 28 years old, he will be almost 35 at the end of this deal, which could be his last.
After a clip showcasing Toulousain fervor was shown, Dupont appeared on the pitch, signed his new contract alongside president Didier Lacroix, and then spoke into the microphone: 'It was a childhood dream to play for Stade Toulousain and it's my waking dream as an adult to continue the adventure here. It's even more special to share it with you. I miss you and I hope next time I'll have my boots on.' After the match, he added to Canal+: 'I couldn't see myself playing anywhere else.'
Trained at Auch and arriving at Toulouse in 2017 from Castres, Dupont is regarded as the world's best scrum-half. Triple Top 14 player of the year (2021, 2023, 2024), he was named world player of the year in 2021 and has won five Brennus Shields and two Champions Cups with the club. Recently sidelined by a knee injury against Ireland in the Six Nations, he completed his rehabilitation and has been resuming rugby training since early October. His return to competition is expected late November or early December.
President Didier Lacroix praised the commitment: 'Dupont is an ordinary being with an ordinary name and he is an extraordinary man. And this team is ordinary in the sense of simplicity and accessibility, yet it remains extraordinary in its talent.' This extension secures the star until the 2031 World Cup in the United States and rules out any private league project like R360.