France will try to win the Six Nations without its talisman after captain Antoine Dupont ruptured cruciate ligaments in his right knee at the weekend.

France head coach Fabien Galthie has branded the incident which injured Antoine Dupont as "reprehensible" amid reports his captain faces nine months on the sidelines. Les Bleus captain Dupont - widely-regarded as the world's best player - is suspected to have suffered serious knee damage after being hurt during a ruck clearout involving Ireland pair Tadhg Beirne and Andrew Porter.

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 .