Antoine Dupont criticised for 'astonishing' decision to skip Six Nations

Les Bleus' skipper will miss the upcoming tournament, which starts on Friday, to play two legs of the World Rugby SVNS series ahead of the Paris Olympics.

To represent the French at the Olympics has always been a dream for Dupont, especially with it taking place in his home country, and that is something Berbizier empathises with.

But the great half-back doesn't believe that it should come at the cost of the Six Nations, particularly following their early Rugby World Cup exit.

France's home World Cup ended in frustration after they were ousted in the quarter-finals by eventual champions South Africa.

That disappointment could ultimately linger, but having their star player in situ would have certainly made it easier for head coach Fabien Galthie.

"I don't know what to tell you¦" Berbizier told La Dépêche. "He is not going to play with the France team but will play with his club. It's very good for the French sevens team.

"We know that he is an exceptional player, but I would have simply liked, since I see that he is available, that the captain of the last World Cup, after this failure, relaunches his troops, even if it means adapting (to sevens) afterwards."

By saying that Dupont "is available", Berbizier is likely referring to the surprise news that the scrum-half would be eligible for Toulouse in this week's Top 14 clash.

The 27-year-old started for Les Rouge et Noir in their 27-20 triumph over Racing 92 on Sunday and could feature in this week's game against Bayonne.

That comes a day after France begin their Six Nations campaign against Ireland in a match which could ultimately decide the winner of the competition.

It certainly raised a few eyebrows when that was revealed, with onlookers inevitably questioning why Dupont couldn't at least feature for Les Bleus on Friday.

"His presence would have been a strong sign to relaunch the adventure," Berbizier added.

"In my opinion, it is quite astonishing how it works, but it was managed between the different parties."

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