How Much Antoine Dupont Is Earning After Becoming Highest-Paid Rugby Player
Rugby NewsMonday, 09 February 2026 at 12:08
In a move that further cements his place at the very top of the sport, Antoine Dupont has signed a four-year contract extension with Toulouse, keeping him at the Top 14 giants until 2031.
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The new deal extends Dupont’s previous contract, which had been due to run until 2027, and is reportedly worth around £1.2 million per season — a figure that makes the France captain the highest-paid player in world rugby.
Dupont will be 34 years old by the time the contract expires and is likely to have featured in two more Rugby World Cups by then. While his future now appears firmly settled in France, a lucrative move overseas — potentially to Japan — could still be on the table once his Toulouse chapter eventually comes to a close.
Since bursting onto the scene, Antoine Dupont has transformed the scrum-half role with his explosive power, tactical vision, and leadership, becoming the heartbeat of both France and Stade Toulousain.
Under his influence, Toulouse have dominated the Top 14 and European rugby, while France’s resurgence on the international stage has revolved almost entirely around his brilliance.
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Dubbed the “complete modern nine,” Dupont has lifted every major trophy available in the European game and continues to redefine what’s possible from the base of the ruck.
This extension isn’t just a renewal — it’s a statement of intent. Toulouse are keeping their talisman, and the world’s best player, right where he belongs.
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Rugby World Cup 2027 Full Draw: England and Wales meet again
The expanded 24-team tournament will be played across Australia from 1 October 2027, with six pools of four teams and a new round-of-16 knockout phase. With fixtures and venues now confirmed by World Rugby, attention quickly turns to how each group will unfold.
Pool A — New Zealand, Australia (H), Chile, Hong Kong China
Group summary
Pool A features tournament hosts Australia and three-time champions New Zealand, making it one of the headline groups of the opening phase. Chile and Hong Kong China will be targeting historic results, while the trans-Tasman clash between Australia and New Zealand is expected to be one of the most watched pool matches of the tournament.
Fixtures
- 1 October 2027 — Australia vs Hong Kong China
Perth Stadium, Perth - 2 October 2027 — New Zealand vs Chile
Perth Stadium, Perth - 9 October 2027 — New Zealand vs Australia
Stadium Australia, Sydney - 9 October 2027 — Chile vs Hong Kong China
North Queensland Stadium, Townsville - 15 October 2027 — New Zealand vs Hong Kong China
Docklands Stadium, Melbourne - 16 October 2027 — Australia vs Chile
Brisbane Stadium, Brisbane
Pool B — South Africa, Italy, Georgia, Romania
Group summary
Defending champions South Africa headline Pool B and begin their campaign against Italy. Georgia continue to establish themselves as a consistent World Cup presence, while Romania return aiming to challenge for third place and possible qualification via rankings.
Fixtures
- 3 October 2027 — South Africa vs Italy
Adelaide Oval, Adelaide - 3 October 2027 — Georgia vs Romania
North Queensland Stadium, Townsville - 10 October 2027 — South Africa vs Georgia
Brisbane Stadium, Brisbane - 11 October 2027 — Italy vs Romania
Sydney Football Stadium, Sydney - 17 October 2027 — Italy vs Georgia
Newcastle Stadium, Newcastle - 17 October 2027 — South Africa vs Romania
Perth Stadium, Perth
Pool C — Argentina, Fiji, Spain, Canada
Group summary
Pool C blends South American consistency with Pacific flair. Argentina enter as favourites, while Fiji’s attacking threat makes them dangerous opponents for any side. Spain return to the World Cup looking to make an impact, and Canada continue their rebuilding process.
Fixtures
- 3 October 2027 — Argentina vs Canada
Brisbane Stadium, Brisbane - 4 October 2027 — Fiji vs Spain
Newcastle Stadium, Newcastle - 10 October 2027 — Fiji vs Canada
Adelaide Oval, Adelaide - 10 October 2027 — Argentina vs Spain
Docklands Stadium, Melbourne - 16 October 2027 — Argentina vs Fiji
Adelaide Oval, Adelaide - 17 October 2027 — Spain vs Canada
North Queensland Stadium, Townsville
Pool D — Ireland, Scotland, Uruguay, Portugal
Group summary
Ireland and Scotland lead Pool D in what shapes as a tightly contested group. Uruguay and Portugal bring speed and tactical variety, with qualification likely to be decided by fine margins, discipline, and bonus points.
Fixtures
- 3 October 2027 — Scotland vs Uruguay
Docklands Stadium, Melbourne - 4 October 2027 — Ireland vs Portugal
Sydney Football Stadium, Sydney - 10 October 2027 — Ireland vs Scotland
Perth Stadium, Perth - 11 October 2027 — Uruguay vs Portugal
Newcastle Stadium, Newcastle - 17 October 2027 — Ireland vs Uruguay
Docklands Stadium, Melbourne - 17 October 2027 — Scotland vs Portugal
Brisbane Stadium, Brisbane
Pool E — France, Japan, United States, Samoa
Group summary
France headline Pool E after reaching the previous final, with Japan expected to challenge strongly for second place. Samoa and the United States provide physicality and athleticism, making this one of the more unpredictable groups.
Fixtures
- 2 October 2027 — France vs United States
Docklands Stadium, Melbourne - 3 October 2027 — Japan vs Samoa
Newcastle Stadium, Newcastle - 9 October 2027 — United States vs Samoa
Perth Stadium, Perth - 9 October 2027 — France vs Japan
Brisbane Stadium, Brisbane - 15 October 2027 — Japan vs United States
Adelaide Oval, Adelaide - 17 October 2027 — France vs Samoa
Sydney Football Stadium, Sydney
Pool F — England, Wales, Tonga, Zimbabwe
Group summary
Pool F is defined by the renewed rivalry between England and Wales, who will meet in one of the final pool fixtures in Sydney. Tonga’s physical style and Zimbabwe’s return to the World Cup add further intrigue, with third place potentially enough to reach the knockout stage depending on rankings.
Fixtures
16 October 2027 — England vs Wales
Stadium Australia, Sydney
Stadium Australia, Sydney
2 October 2027 — Wales vs Zimbabwe
Adelaide Oval, Adelaide
Adelaide Oval, Adelaide
2 October 2027 — England vs Tonga
Brisbane Stadium, Brisbane
Brisbane Stadium, Brisbane
8 October 2027 — Wales vs Tonga
Docklands Stadium, Melbourne
Docklands Stadium, Melbourne
8 October 2027 — England vs Zimbabwe
Adelaide Oval, Adelaide
Adelaide Oval, Adelaide
15 October 2027 — Tonga vs Zimbabwe
North Queensland Stadium, Townsville
North Queensland Stadium, Townsville
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