Third row Harinordoquy against Munster in 2010. JB Autissier / PanoramiC / JB Autissier / Panoramic
If there remains total uncertainty regarding Antoine Dupont’s return to the field, as does the possibility of seeing him wear a mask, other players have already played in similar conditions.
Since the 45th minute of the match between France and Namibia last Thursday, the whole of France has been holding its breath. Despite the big victory for the XV of France (96-0), Fabien Galthié did not look happy after the match, far from it. The explanation lies in the injury of its captain Antoine Dupont: “ There is a suspicion of a crack or fracture on the maxilla », he explained in the mixed zone after the meeting. That, plus a concussion, followed a shoulder-to-head collision with Namibian captain Johan Deysel.
Since then, examinations have been carried out and we know a little more about the nature of the injury suffered by the captain of the Blues: a maxillo-zygomatic fracture. This is the cheekbone of the face, whose role is in particular to protect the orbital cavity. The scrum-half was operated on at Toulouse hospital on Friday by Professor Frédéric Lauwers. Two screwed plates were attached to the French international’s face to help the fracture heal.
A mask to keep hope alive?
In recent days, a solution has been mentioned which would allow Dupont to return for the rest of the competition. A tailor-made mask that corresponds to international regulations would protect the fractured area and avoid too great a risk of relapse. This solution, if not perfect, raises all hopes. And this is not a first, since various players have already played masked at the highest level. Return to different cases.
The best known: Imanol Harinordoquy
During the 2010 Heineken Cup semi-final between Biarritz Olympique and the Irish side Munster, the third row suffered a broken nose. While he thought he could enter the field with a custom-made mask, the referee forbade him, telling him that the materials making up the facial protection were not authorized by the regulations. The medical staff in Biarritz then quickly made a foam mask for him. An imperfect solution, since the one who now works as a TV commentator has stated that he “ saw nothing there » and that it was not possible to play as a scrum half with such a device.
Harinordoquy face au Munster JB Autissier / PanoramiC / JB Autissier / Panoramic
Brad Barritt’s titan plaque
England international Brad Barritt also played with face protection, but more recently (2018). This is also a case that is closer to the one that concerns us, since it was to protect his cheekbone. Playing with the English club Saracens, the center suffered a violent elbow during a match against Harlequins. Overmotivated by the idea of playing a Heineken Cup quarter-final against Leinster a week later, he had a titanium plate fitted and was able to take part in the match. He gave hope to French supporters on the social network X by tweeting: “ All rugby fans in the world hope to see maestro Antoine Dupont play! When we want we can ! ».
Another era
At another time, another French international played with a mask. The second row Michel Palmié, Béziers player in the 1970s, was nicknamed “Ramses» because of his numerous bandages. And when we see what his mask looked like, we understand the origin of the nickname. We wish Antoine Dupont to find a slightly more recent prototype.
Jeffrey Williams, a similar case
Player of Arcachon, a club playing in national 2, the Englishman Jeffrey Williams suffered a similar injury to Antoine Dupont in 2022. In order to be able to play again quickly, he had worn a mask protecting the affected area: “ The most important is the psychological impact, he explains. We feel protected and this is essential because this type of injury is very significant, we never really forget it. It’s the face, it’s very sensitive.» A case that could serve as jurisprudence?
Pierre Pagès, another scrum half
The one who arrived at LOU this summer as a medical joker had experienced quite a misadventure during the 2020-2021 season. Playing for the Breton club Vannes, the scrum-half suffered a major shock, causing five fractures to his face. One at the level of the sinuses, another at the left orbital floor and three others at the face. The injury required an operation involving the installation of a titanium plate. When he returned to the field, he wore a plexiglass mask molded over his face. Something, perhaps, to inspire the Blues’ medical staff.
Florian Cazenave, masked his entire career
Also a scrum half, the former Perpignan player was injured at the age of 23 during a fall while participating in the Feret feria. Despite the operation, the young man lost his eye and became blind in one eye. After a long obstacle course, he managed to play again, first in Italy then in Pro D2, where he notably wore the colors of Vannes. He spent most of his career wearing protective glasses covering part of his face, like a ski mask.
Florian Cazenave in the Brive jersey, 2017. Thierry Breton / Thierry Breton / Panoramic
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