Fit-again Dupont ready to roll against Ireland in Paris 

The France talisman has been named in the XV to face Andy Farrell's side in the tournament curtain-raiser.

IN FOCUS: Les Bleus are boosted by the return of captain Antoine Dupont after a serious knee injury curtailed his involvement last year. Pic: Steve Welsh/PA Wire.

Star France scrum-half Antoine Dupont will face Ireland in the Six Nations opener on Thursday, after head coach Fabien Galthie named him in the team as captain on Tuesday.

The 29-year-old has not played for Les Bleus since tearing his cruciate knee ligament against the same opposition in March during last year’s tournament.