Antoine Dupont believes France have what it takes to finally claim an Olympic medal, and possibly gold, in Rugby Sevens after Les Bleus won the Los Angeles men's title with a thrilling semi-final win over Ireland helping them on their way.
Dupont, who skipped rugby union's Six Nations to focus on Paris 2024 preparations, came on as a second-half substitute and set up Theo Forner for France's third try as they beat Britain 21-0 in the final at the Los Angeles Sevens on Sunday.
It was France's first title in Rugby Sevens since 2005.
It was a comfortable win, a long way from their semi-final where they were 26-24 victors over Ireland.
Jordan Conroy gave Ireland the perfect start but they trailed 12-7 at the break with Dupont grabbing France's first try.
A brace of Terry Kennedy tries, the first his 100th for the side, either side of a Zac Ward score, meant that Ireland – who would go on to claim third place with a 24-7 win over Spain - won the second half, but they couldn’t reel their opponents in.
History.
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"I started this Olympic project to get a medal, obviously a gold medal," said Dupont.
"I knew the guys were able to do it (on Sunday), and that they can beat anyone when they're at their best.
"We're a very ambitious squad who's looking to claim this (gold) medal in the summer. We're all aiming for it," he said.
Dupont now heads back to his rugby union club Toulouse and will join the Rugby Sevens squad for the series finals in Madrid in May.
France's best result at the Olympics was seventh place in Rio in 2016.
The Ireland women’s team finished eighth meanwhile, losing their final play-off match 28-14 to Brazil.
New Zealand defeated Australia 29-14 in the final.
