Ireland prop Andrew Porter has rejected suggestions that he was involved in foul play leading to Antoine Dupont’s serious knee injury during France’s Six Nations victory over Ireland in Dublin on Saturday.
France head coach Fabien Galthié criticized the actions of Porter and Tadhg Beirne in the incident that resulted in Dupont’s season-ending injury, calling them “reprehensible.” However, both players avoided sanction during the match. Galthié referred the incident to the match’s citing commissioner, but no disciplinary action has been taken.
The injury occurred in the 28th minute when Dupont attempted to steal possession and was challenged by Beirne. As Beirne fell, he landed on the French scrum-half’s right leg, with Porter also involved in the ruck.
Porter has firmly denied any wrongdoing and revealed that he had sent Dupont a message on Instagram to wish him well.
“He [Galthié] can say what he wants, see how far it gets him,” Porter stated. “I know what I did. I didn’t go out to injure anyone. That’s not the type of player I am.”
The Irish prop also took issue with the way Galthié has responded to the incident.
“Calling for your head… it’s a bit much. He’s such a pivotal player for them that they almost don’t want him to be touched at all. Galthié is entitled to his opinion, but I know I haven’t done anything wrong. I sleep well at night.”
Porter compared the situation to the knee injury that ended the career of Ireland’s Dan Leavy in 2019. He argued that, like Leavy’s injury, Dupont’s was simply an unfortunate accident that can happen in rugby.
“It was a rugby incident. I can barely remember exactly what happened, but he was in a ruck, got trapped when he was trying to counter it, and unfortunately went over. That’s rugby. It happens. I don’t remember anyone calling for a citing when Dan Leavy had to retire after his injury.”
Ireland Focuses on Final Six Nations Game
Following their heavy defeat to France, Ireland is now focused on bouncing back in their final Six Nations match against Italy.
Their title hopes are out of their hands, as they must beat Italy in Rome and rely on other results going in their favor. England, currently second, face Wales in Cardiff, while leaders France control their fate as they host Scotland in the tournament’s final game.
“We can sit around and sulk all we like, but we have another job to do next Saturday,” said Porter. “If anything, it has emboldened us to play the rugby we know we’re capable of.”
Acknowledging the challenge ahead, he added: “Italy are an incredibly proud team, especially on home soil. We need to go out there, perform to our potential, and put in a display we can be proud of.”