France captain Antoine Dupont has been carried off with a knee injury during his side's Six Nations clash with Ireland in Dublin.
The scrum half, widely regarded as the world's best player, was forced to leave the field after approximately 30 minutes of play.
Dupont was unable to bear weight on his leg following the incident and required assistance from two French medical staff to exit the pitch.
The injury comes as a significant blow to France in what was described as a potential Six Nations title decider against Ireland.
Antoine Dupont was forced off through injury against Ireland
PA
The injury occurred during a cleanout at a ruck by Ireland lock Tadhg Beirne.
Match officials reviewed the incident and determined there was no foul play involved from the Irish second row.
Despite this ruling, the impact was severe enough that Dupont could not support his own weight.
The Toulouse superstar appeared to damage his knee in the collision, requiring immediate medical attention.
The sight of France's talisman being helped from the field silenced sections of the Dublin crowd, recognising the significance of his departure.
The injury forced France coach Fabien Galthie to bring on replacement scrum half Maxime Lucu.
This substitution highlighted a tactical vulnerability in the French setup.
Galthie had made the bold decision to select seven forwards on the bench with just one back.
Dupont had been serving as cover at fly half and potentially in the centres.
Antoine Dupont scored a try earlier in the match but it was ruled out
PA
This selection strategy now leaves France with severely limited options should further injuries occur in the backline.
The tactical reshuffle comes at a crucial point in the match, with France having shown impressive defensive strength in the opening exchanges.
Prior to his injury, Dupont had demonstrated the exceptional talent that has made him a global rugby star.
The Olympic gold medallist from Paris 2024 made several crucial defensive plays in his own 22.
He then showcased his attacking brilliance by creating France's opening score.
France's Louis Bielle Biarrey scored from a brilliant Antoine Dupont pass
PA
Dupont delivered a perfectly timed pass to Louis Bielle-Biarrey on the left wing.
The precise distribution allowed Bielle-Biarrey to scamper home for the try.
Following the injury, Dupont would now appear to be a significant doubt for France's final Six Nations fixture.
The French are scheduled to face Scotland next weekend, potentially without their inspirational captain.
