Rugby World Cup 2023

France is hosting the Rugby World Cup's 10th edition from September 8 to October 28. Twenty teams, divided into four pools, will play in nine different cities. The opening game, on September 8 at 9 pm, will see France face New Zealand. The final will take place on October 28 at 9 pm.

Although the two events are not comparable, the Rugby World Cup will serve as a security trial run for the Paris Olympic Games, which take place nine months later, from July 26 to August 11, 2024.

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'Major failures' in France's financing of 2023 Rugby World Cup

In its report on the organization of the event, published on Tuesday, the French Court of Audit highlights the financial shortcomings of the tournament, which meant that French rugby has been left with no funds to build on.

Published on April 8, 2025, at 3:27 pm (Paris) Le Monde with AFP

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Galthié opens up on 'scar' of failing to win Rugby World Cup

Hosts France were one of the favorites to win the tournament but lost a thrilling quarter-final 29-28 to the eventual champions. 'For us, it was a time of mourning,' said French coach Fabien Galthié, who had not spoken to the press since the night of the loss on October 15.

Published on November 8, 2023, at 10:42 pm (Paris), updated on November 9, 2023, at 7:10 am Le Monde with AFP

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Rugby World Cup 2023: South Africa remains on top of the world after nerve-wracking final

The Springboks triumphed over New Zealand 12-11 on Saturday. A victory by the slimmest of margins, it made Siya Kolisi's team the most successful in history.

Published on October 29, 2023, at 10:34 am (Paris) Clément Martel Martin Untersinger

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South Africa beat New Zealand 12-11 to win record fourth Rugby World Cup

Handre Pollard kicked four penalties to help South Africa to a nail-biting victory over 14-man New Zealand in the Rugby World Cup final on Saturday to claim a record fourth title.

Published on October 28, 2023, at 11:25 pm (Paris), updated on October 29, 2023, at 2:55 am Le Monde with AP and AFP

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New Zealand v South Africa: The ultimate battle for world rugby supremacy

The clash between the All Blacks and the Springboks on Saturday at the Stade de France in Paris will see one of the two teams become the first to be crowned champion a fourth time in the World Cup.

Published on October 28, 2023, at 6:27 pm (Paris) Clément Martel Martin Untersinger

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Rugby profits from growing enthusiasm from sponsors

Far from the excesses of football, the world of rugby connotes values and a sense of 'team spirit,' leading more and more business leaders to link their images to it by providing financial support to clubs.

Published on October 28, 2023, at 4:09 pm (Paris), updated on October 28, 2023, at 4:09 pm Marie-Béatrice Baudet

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Rugby World Cup: England defeat Argentina to finish in third place

Captain Owen Farrell kicked 16 points for England as clung on to beat Argentina 26-23 on Friday.

Published on October 28, 2023, at 12:06 am (Paris) Le Monde with AP

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Rugby World Cup: Springboks hooker Bongi Mbonambi cleared to play in final

England flanker Tom Curry complained of being subject to a racial slur from Bongi Mbonambi during the Rugby World Cup semifinal against South Africa at the Stade de France last weekend.

Published on October 26, 2023, at 12:49 pm (Paris), updated on October 26, 2023, at 12:51 pm Le Monde with AP

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Rugby World Cup: South Africa edges out England to secure spot in the final

South Africa's thrilling 16-15 victory over England at the Stade de France on Saturday has set the stage for a Rugby World Cup final showdown against New Zealand next weekend.

Published on October 21, 2023, at 11:26 pm (Paris), updated on October 21, 2023, at 11:27 pm Le Monde with AP

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Rugby World Cup 2023: The Springboks, South Africa's 'light at the end of the tunnel'

The South African team faces England in the World Cup semi-finals on Saturday. In a country plagued by unemployment, poverty and crime, their matches − and their successes − are a source of hope and unity.

Published on October 21, 2023, at 8:00 pm (Paris) Romain Chanson

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Rugby World Cup 2023: Against South Africa, England gambles on 'winning ugly'

The last remaining representative of the Northern Hemisphere in the World Cup, England faces the defending champions South Africa on Saturday for a place in the final, despite their crude play and their status as 'public enemy number 1' in France.

Published on October 21, 2023, at 5:20 pm (Paris) Clément Martel

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Rugby World Cup: New Zealand sweep Argentina aside with ease to reach their fifth-ever final

New Zealand's 44-6 semi-final victory over Argentina was enough to book their place in the World Cup Final. On Saturday, October 28, they will face either England or South Africa.

Published on October 21, 2023, at 10:57 am (Paris) Martin Untersinger

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Rugby World Cup: New Zealand dominates Argentina to secure spot in final

New Zealand bulldozed through Argentina 44-6 on Friday to reach the Rugby World Cup final for a record fifth time. The All Blacks will bid for a record fourth title against defending champion South Africa or England, who play their semifinal on Saturday.

Published on October 20, 2023, at 11:34 pm (Paris) Le Monde with AP and AFP

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Rugby World Cup 2023: Argentina's unexpected semi-final against New Zealand

After a poor start to the World Cup, Argentina have gradually righted their ship and on Friday will be aiming to repeat their 2020 and 2022 exploits – the only two occasions when they have beaten the All Blacks.

Published on October 20, 2023, at 5:01 pm (Paris), updated on October 20, 2023, at 5:06 pm Martin Untersinger

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Rugby World Cup: The controversial referee calls of the France-South Africa match

After the French team's defeat (28-29) against South Africa in the quarter-finals of the Rugby World Cup on Sunday, some French players have questioned the refereeing – including Antoine Dupont.

Published on October 17, 2023, at 11:51 am (Paris) Valentin Moinard

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Rugby World Cup: Revenge for the southern hemisphere... and England

Three of the four teams in the semi-finals are from the southern hemisphere, which has been underperforming since the Covid-19 pandemic. England is now the sole remaining representative of Europe.

Published on October 16, 2023, at 11:21 pm (Paris), updated on October 17, 2023, at 7:25 am Marie-Béatrice Baudet

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Antoine Dupont powerless to derail the South African machine

Back on the pitch just three weeks after his cheekbone was fractured in the match against Namibia, the French captain's performance was very convincing, albeit not enough to secure victory for his side.

Published on October 16, 2023, at 12:00 pm (Paris), updated on October 16, 2023, at 12:56 pm Martin Untersinger

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South Africa's last-gasp triumph robs France of a place in the last four of 'their' Rugby World Cup

France will not be crowned world champions at home. In a nail-biting final, they lost to the title holders in the quarter-finals on Sunday (29-28).

Published on October 16, 2023, at 9:17 am (Paris) Clément Martel

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France loses to South Africa in nail-biting Rugby World Cup quarterfinals

Title holders remain on course to retain the Rugby World Cup after a 29-28 win over hosts France on Sunday. South Africa will face England in next week's semi-finals.

Published on October 15, 2023, at 11:03 pm (Paris), updated on October 16, 2023, at 7:30 am Le Monde with AFP

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England puts an end to Fiji's Rugby World Cup run

The World Cup quarterfinals delivered another heart-stopper on Sunday as England held on in the face of a valiant fightback from the Flying Fijians to end the crowd-pleasing run of the tournament darlings by a tense 30-24.

Published on October 15, 2023, at 10:32 pm (Paris), updated on October 16, 2023, at 7:12 am Le Monde with AP

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'You have the best philosophical conversations with props like Cyril Baille'

Every week during the Rugby World Cup, Aristide Barraud gives a personal look, in text and pictures, at the French national team.

Published on October 15, 2023, at 3:00 pm (Paris) Aristide Barraud

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Antoine Dupont, France's star player, returns to the Rugby World Cup

The French team captain, who suffered an injury to the face during a match against Namibia on September 21, is back for the quarter-finals against South Africa at the Stade de France on Sunday.

Published on October 15, 2023, at 1:00 pm (Paris) Clément Martel

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New Zealand topple Ireland in epic Rugby World Cup quarter-final

They were tipped to lose, but resisted the Irish. On Saturday at the Stade de France, New Zealanders snatched a place in the World Cup semi-finals, only the ninth time in their history.

Published on October 15, 2023, at 9:00 am (Paris) Martin Untersinger

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New Zealand wins epic Rugby World Cup quarterfinal against Ireland

The All Blacks won a gripping Rugby World Cup quarterfinal 28-24 on Saturday, staying on course for a record fourth title.

Published on October 14, 2023, at 11:11 pm (Paris), updated on October 15, 2023, at 8:38 am Le Monde with AP

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Argentina wins against Wales and reaches Rugby World Cup semifinals

The Pumas came from behind twice to win 29-17, and were 12 minutes away from losing to Wales.

Published on October 14, 2023, at 10:58 pm (Paris), updated on October 14, 2023, at 11:06 pm Le Monde with AP

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Rugby World Cup 2023: Joe Schmidt, the Irish icon to the rescue of the All Blacks

After coaching Ireland for six seasons and putting them on the road to success, the New Zealander has come to the aid of his compatriots, whom he hopes will triumph over his former team in the quarter-finals this Saturday.

Published on October 14, 2023, at 5:00 pm (Paris) Martin Untersinger

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French national rugby team has been mentally preparing for World Cup since 2019

While mental strength was once not considered their forte, Les Bleus have impressed with their emotional control throughout the World Cup, ahead of the quarter-finals against South Africa on Sunday.

Published on October 14, 2023, at 1:16 am (Paris), updated on October 14, 2023, at 1:29 am Elisabeth Pineau Clément Martel

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Rugby World Cup: French captain Dupont cleared to face South Africa in much anticipated quarterfinal

'I feel good:' The star scrumhalf was selected on Friday to play at Stade de France after being allowed to resume full contact training on Monday.

Published on October 13, 2023, at 12:59 pm (Paris) Le Monde with AFP

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Rugby World Cup: French captain Dupont cleared to resume full training

The iconic scrum-half got the green light to return to full-contact training just over a fortnight after his cheekbone was fractured in a tackle against Namibia.

Published on October 9, 2023, at 12:58 pm (Paris), updated on October 9, 2023, at 6:39 pm Le Monde with AFP

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Rugby World Cup: Fiji to play England in quarter-final despite Portugal's historic victory

Fiji, who only needed one point from the game, finished runners-up in Pool C behind Wales. The result of the 40th and final pool game of the tournament also saw Australia finish third, meaning they'll miss out on the knock-out phase for the first time.

Published on October 9, 2023, at 12:04 am (Paris), updated on October 9, 2023, at 10:43 am Le Monde with AP

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Rugby World Cup: Tonga leaves tournament with win against Romania

Both teams were drowned by Ireland, South Africa, and Scotland in their pool. They found a contest against each other in which they could express more of themselves, triggering an entertaining 10-try farewell.

Published on October 8, 2023, at 10:26 pm (Paris) Le Monde with AP

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Argentina into Rugby World Cup quarterfinals after eliminating Japan

Winger Mateo Carreras's hat trick of tries inspired a 39-27 win in a breathless pool-stage eliminator on Saturday

Published on October 8, 2023, at 6:03 pm (Paris) Le Monde with AP

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Rugby World Cup: Impressive Ireland blitzes Scotland to set up quarterfinal with New Zealand

Ireland produced another performance of the highest quality to thrash Scotland 36-14 taking the lead as Pool B winners.

Published on October 7, 2023, at 11:24 pm (Paris), updated on October 8, 2023, at 10:59 am Le Monde with AFP

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Rugby World Cup: England struggles to gritty victory over Samoa

Quarterfinal-bound England is finishing atop Pool D as the team gathered its senses from 17-8 down against Samoa on Saturday, October 7.

Published on October 7, 2023, at 10:38 pm (Paris), updated on October 8, 2023, at 10:05 am Le Monde with AP

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Wales gets job done with Rees-Zammit hat trick against Georgia at Rugby World Cup

Wales won 41-19 at the Rugby World Cup game. It needed only a point to win Pool C.

Published on October 7, 2023, at 5:39 pm (Paris) Le Monde with AP

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Rugby World Cup: France dismantles Italy 60-7 to secure quarter-final qualification

Finishing atop Pool A, France is now set to face the defending champion, South Africa, in what promises to be an exciting quarterfinal clash next weekend.

Published on October 6, 2023, at 11:33 pm (Paris) Le Monde with AFP

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Rugby World Cup: Lucu's big night filling Dupont's shoes as France take on Italy in crucial decider

In France's important match against Italy on Friday, the Bordeaux scrum-half will have the onerous task of standing in for the French national team's injured captain. It's a situation that he is very familiar with.

Published on October 6, 2023, at 2:01 pm (Paris) Martin Untersinger Clément Martel

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Fabien Galthié in Le Monde, from rebel scrum-half to esteemed coach for the French national team

After defeating New Zealand, the French rugby team has kept an unbroken winning streak ahead of their crucial match against Italy on Friday and their coach has played a major role. Le Monde has been following his lifetime of rugby since June 13, 1991.

Published on October 6, 2023, at 11:25 am (Paris), updated on October 6, 2023, at 11:36 am Yann Bouchez

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For this Rugby World Cup, the French national team goes all out to charm the crowds

In 2007, during the first World Cup held in France, Les Bleus hunkered down in their base camp. Sixteen years later, they are now crisscrossing the country, happily getting up close and personal with fans.

Published on October 6, 2023, at 4:00 am (Paris) Clément Martel

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Rugby World Cup: New Zealand shuts out Uruguay 73-0 to secure quarter-final qualification

Despite a slow start, New Zealand managed to secure a dominant victory in their last pool match on Thursday. New Zealand must now wait and see if they win Pool A or finish second, depending on whether Italy can topple France on Friday night.

Published on October 5, 2023, at 11:20 pm (Paris), updated on October 6, 2023, at 7:06 am Le Monde with AFP

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The French tomb of the creator of rugby, William Webb Ellis, is a place of pilgrimage

During the Rugby World Cup in France, fans and officials alike have been paying tribute to the English creator of the sport, who died in 1872 and is buried in the French Riviera.

Published on October 5, 2023, at 11:11 am (Paris), updated on October 5, 2023, at 7:23 pm Marie-Béatrice Baudet

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Rugby World Cup: Lucu replaces Dupont as France's scrum-half, while Ollivon takes over as captain

Following a broken cheekbone in France's match against Namibia, the talisman captain will sit out the deciding match against Italy on Friday.

Published on October 4, 2023, at 2:33 pm (Paris), updated on October 5, 2023, at 7:42 pm Le Monde with AFP

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Rugby World Cup: South Africa dominate Tonga 49-18

The win places the Springboks at the Pool B lead, just one point ahead of Ireland. The outcome of Ireland's match against Scotland next weekend will determine the two teams advancing to the quarterfinals.

Published on October 1, 2023, at 11:57 pm (Paris) Le Monde with AFP

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Rugby World Cup: Australia beats Portugal to keep knockout stages alive

Australia smothered a ferocious comeback by Portugal to win their gripping first matchup 34-14 on Sunday in Saint-Etienne.

Published on October 1, 2023, at 10:25 pm (Paris) Le Monde with AP and AFP

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Rugby World Cup: Scotland obliterates Romania 84-0 to set up Ireland showdown

Top-ranked Ireland leads Pool B but it could possibly fail to reach the quarterfinals if it loses to Scotland next Saturday at Stade de France.

Published on October 1, 2023, at 1:18 am (Paris) Le Monde with AFP

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Rugby World Cup: Fiji edges Georgia to keep quarter-finals in sight

Despite another nerve-stretching finish, the Fijians kept flying against Georgia on Saturday in Bordeaux. They survived trailing by nine points at halftime and a frantic final Georgian assault to win 17-12.

Published on September 30, 2023, at 11:56 pm (Paris) Le Monde with AFP

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Rugby World Cup: Argentina clings on to qualifying hope after victory over Chile

Los Pumas comfortably beat Chile to keep their dream of qualifying for quarter-finals alive. They now stand second in Pool D after England, but Japan remains a major challenger.

Published on September 30, 2023, at 5:25 pm (Paris), updated on September 30, 2023, at 5:26 pm Le Monde with AFP

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Rugby World Cup: Dupont returns to French squad after surgery

The French team captain got the green light to progressively rejoin training and is expected to be fit to play in the quarter-finals.

Published on September 30, 2023, at 11:15 am (Paris), updated on September 30, 2023, at 11:15 am Le Monde with AFP

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Rugby World Cup: New Zealand obliterates Italy 96-17

Scrumhalf Aaron Smith scored three of New Zealand's seven first-half tries as it overwhelmed Italy in a pivotal pool match in Lyon on Friday.

Published on September 29, 2023, at 11:44 pm (Paris) Le Monde with AP and AFP

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Namibia's enduring wait for Rugby World Cup victory goes on

Fullback Baltazar Amaya scored two tries as Uruguay overturned a halftime deficit to defeat ill-disciplined Namibia 36-26 for a bonus-point victory on Wednesday.

Published on September 27, 2023, at 8:08 pm (Paris), updated on September 28, 2023, at 2:47 pm Le Monde with AFP

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Rugby World Cup: 'The shame is not the young singers' rendition of the 'Marseillaise', but what we've put them through for the past year'

On September 8 at the Stade de France, the youth choir was edited out of the televised images and spectators simply noticed an unpleasant echo between the children, the players and the fans, observes Le Monde columnist Michel Guerrin.

Published on September 27, 2023, at 11:33 am (Paris) Michel Guerrin

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Rugby World Cup: Dupont's injury, 'an ordinary fracture suffered by an extraordinary patient'

Injured during the match against Namibia, the French captain has undergone surgery on his cheekbone and is hoping to play again before the end of the World Cup, ideally as early as the quarter-finals scheduled for mid-October.

Published on September 26, 2023, at 4:11 pm (Paris) Clément Martel

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Rugby World Cup 2023: Crushed by Wales, Australia is all but knocked out

The Dragons made short work of the Wallabies (40-6) on Sunday, and have essentially guaranteed their place in the quarter-finals. Australian coach Eddie Jones, meanwhile, is in the hot seat.

Published on September 25, 2023, at 11:09 am (Paris) Porier

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Rugby World Cup 2023: South Africa, a formidable but fallible team

Barring any unforeseen incidents, France is set to meet the defending champion Springboks in the quarter-finals of the Rugby World Cup following their defeat against Ireland in Pool B on Saturday, September 23.

Published on September 25, 2023, at 4:25 am (Paris), updated on September 25, 2023, at 8:18 am Marie-Béatrice Baudet

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Rugby World Cup 2023: Ireland topples South Africa and continues to assert itself

Resisting the physical might of the Springboks, Jonathan Sexton and his teammates came out on top at the Stade de France on Saturday (13-8). In doing so, the team virtually sealed their place in the quarter-finals.

Published on September 24, 2023, at 9:12 am (Paris), updated on September 24, 2023, at 10:20 am Valentin Moinard

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Rugby World Cup 2023: Ireland beats South Africa 13-8 in ferocious encounter

Top-ranked Ireland won the Cup's second clash of the titans by edging number 2-ranked South Africa 13-8 in a ferocious encounter on Saturday. The Springboks were on top for considerable spells but paid the price for poor goalkicking from flyhalf Manie Libbok and scrumhalf Faf de Klerk.

Published on September 23, 2023, at 11:33 pm (Paris), updated on September 24, 2023, at 10:18 am Le Monde with AP

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Rugby World Cup 2023: Jonathan Sexton wants to guide Ireland to the top

Having become Ireland's all-time leading scorer, the 38-year-old opener continues to lead the national team. He will once again start against South Africa at the Stade de France on Saturday.

Published on September 23, 2023, at 5:41 pm (Paris), updated on September 26, 2023, at 5:42 pm Valentin Moinard

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French rugby team captain Dupont has surgery on fractured cheekbone

It is not clear when France's star player will be able to return to the pitch in the World Cup.

Published on September 23, 2023, at 5:18 pm (Paris) Le Monde with AFP

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Boffelli stars as Argentina beat Samoa in Rugby World Cup

Wing Emiliano Boffelli scored 16 points as Argentina put their World Cup campaign back on track with a disciplined and composed 19-10 victory.

Published on September 22, 2023, at 8:23 pm (Paris) Le Monde with AFP

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French rugby team captain Dupont suffers facial fracture but not ruled out of World Cup

'A specialized surgical opinion has been requested in order to precisely define the duration of the captain's unavailability,' the French Rugby Federation said on Friday.

Published on September 22, 2023, at 10:06 am (Paris), updated on September 22, 2023, at 9:19 pm Le Monde with AFP

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