Dupont makes injury return

France superstar Antoine Dupont made a winning return after eight months on the sidelines, helping Toulouse smash Racing 48-24 in a bonus-point victory.

The result sends the champions five points clear at the top of the French Top 14.

Dupont – who tore his cruciate knee ligament during the Six Nations in March – stepped onto the Ernest Wallon turf early in the second half for his first 15-a-side appearance since his Olympic gold with France’s Sevens team. And it took him all of a few touches to remind Europe what it’s been missing.

“I’ve still got a bit of work to do but I felt good,” Dupont told Canal+. “The score was starting to rack up when I came on so it’s easier. They helped me ease myself back in.”

ALSO: Dupont set to face Sharks in Champions Cup

Within minutes, the 29-year-old was sparking chaos with a quick tap, burst into the Racing 22 and a deft chip that set up Matthis Lebel’s second try.

Son premier match en #TOP14 depuis plus d’un an et Antoine Dupont se montre déjà décisif @StadeToulousain 🪄 pic.twitter.com/tcgsfbEzqC

— TOP 14 Rugby (@top14rugby) November 29, 2025

The night doubled as a farewell for Tonga international Pita Ahki, who bows out after seven seasons, five French titles and two Champions Cup crowns.

“The match preparation was very emotional… the most important player for us was Pita,” Lebel said.

Racing imploded after Janick Tarrit’s red card for a headbutt just before half-time, later losing two more players to the bin as Toulouse ran in seven tries.

Elsewhere, Toulon smashed Montauban 54-28 to climb to second, Clermont stole a dramatic 36-32 win over Stade Français after the hooter, and Montpellier edged Bordeaux-Bègles 28-24. Bayonne survived a late scare to beat Lyon 22-20, while Perpignan stayed bottom after falling 23-7 at Castres.

– AFP

Photo: Lionel Hahn/Getty Images