Antoine Dupont faces a lengthy lay-off after France's scrum half revealed that he ruptured his knee cruciate ligaments in Les Bleus' Six Nations triumph over Ireland.
Dupont was carried off by medical staff within the opening 30 minutes in Dublin following an incident at a ruck involving Ireland second row Tadhg Beirne and Andrew Porter.
The Irish pair were cleared of foul play by the matchday officials and, much to the bemusement of France coach Fabien Galthie, who described that their challenge had been "reprehensible", there have been no official citings for the pivotal Six Nations clash.
An injury of that severity means Dupont will miss the remainder of Toulouse's campaign and will likely be unavailable for the start of next season.
Despite Dupont's personal anguish, the France captain has given his backing to his teammates as Les Bleus prepare to face Scotland on the final weekend knowing a win will secure the Six Nations title.
Posting on Instagram, Dupont said: "The heart hurts even more than the knee when you have to leave your friends before the last step.
"I am proud of what we accomplished yesterday and with all my strength with you, you will do it.
"Rupture of the cruciate ligaments. This is the beginning of a new challenge, I'll see you in a few months on the field."
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