World Rugby boss clears France captain for face mask, Stephen Hoiles smitten with Antoine Dupont's looks

SAINT-ETIENNE: World Rugby boss Alan Gilpin has confirmed that France captain Antoine Dupont will be allowed to wear a protective face mask if he is picked to return to his home Rugby World Cup.

Dupont, widely regarded as the best player in the world and the marketable face of the tournament, suffered a devastating facial fracture in the 96-0 romp over Namibia in Marseille.

The halfback has undergone an operation to repair the damage but France has been coy regarding his timeline in returning to play.

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"At the moment it's hypothetical, there haven't been any direct discussions with the French team around a mask for Antoine," Gilpin told reporters on Wednesday.

"The laws and rules are very clear on face masks... a maximum thickness of five millimeters. And what's important is that it can't be hard covering material."

Another France star, Imanol Harinordoquy, donned a memorable Phantom of the Opera style face protector while playing for Biarritz in 2010.

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French media has speculated that Dupont is targeting the quarter-finals for a return, with defending champions South Africa looming as the most likely opponent in Paris on October 16 (AEST).

Dupont referenced a naval battle board game in signalling his desire to return to the park.

"Touché mais pas coulé," Dupont wrote in French - "Hit but not sunk" - before adding "Show must go on," in English.

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Former Wallabies loose forward Stephen Hoiles said France would do anything in their power to get their talisman back on the field.

"I've got a mate who's played in something similar, like a Perspex one, and it's been done," Hoiles told Stan Sport's RWC 2023 Central.

"Stranger things have happened and you'll look as weird as you have to, to get through a game. He's so important to this French side and they're a genuine World Cup contender.

"I'd be sticking with Dupont even if you couldn't pick him until the World Cup final. He's that good. I would keep him in that squad."

Stan Sport's Nick McArdle then asked Hoiles whether Dupont would have any reservations about wearing a mask from a looks perspective.

"No, I don't think he'd be worried about the scar on his face when he's got a chance to hold the William Webb Ellis Cup," Hoiles replied.

"So even if he dropped down - let's say he's a nine or a 10 - surgery in this day and age he'd still be between a seven and a nine.

"I think there's enough French women or men out there that probably find him attractive. If he's a six or seven, he'll still be popular."

France's next match is against Italy on October 7 (AEST).