France star Antoine Dupont is set to miss nine months of action after suffering a serious knee injury in the 42-27 win against Ireland at the Six Nations. It was initially reported by Planet Rugby that Dupont had ruptured his ACL and was facing a hefty stint on the touchline, with the player himself confirming that news later on Sunday .

France's talismanic captain Antoine Dupont left injured against Ireland in the first half of their Six Nations match on Saturday. Just minutes after assisting on the only try of the half, Dupont's right knee was buckled inward in a ruck clearout by Ireland's Tadhg Beirne.

Ireland interim boss Simon Easterby says France head coach Fabien Galthie's comments "fanned the flames" about the incident that led to Antoine Dupont's injury.

Ireland interim head coach Simon Easterby has defended his side after the injury sustained by Antoine Dupont in Dublin last weekend. Although Les Bleus came away with a massive win at the Aviva that has put them within touching distance of the Six Nations title,

Ireland interim boss Simon Easterby on Thursday said comments alleging foul play against his side by France coach Fabien Galthie following an injury to star scrum-half Antoine Dupont were "disappointing" and had created unnecessary "ill-feeling".