Investigation on Antoine Dupont could lead to points deduction

A big story coming out of France.

The payments relate to image rights, and amount to €1.8m to Dupont over nearly ten years, and €170,000 to his club and country teammate Anthony Jelonch.

L'Équipe are arguing that there is no evidence of image rights usage to justify this kind of spending, and that it raises suspicions of the club circumventing the Top 14 salary cap.

Toulouse have already been fined and deducted points during the current league season over the transfer of former player Melvyn Jaminet, who signed in 2022.

Last year, the Ligue Nationale de Rugby said: “The disciplinary committee has imposed the following on Toulouse.

“A two-point deduction in the Top 14 table for the current season and a two-point penalty suspended. And also a fine of 45,000 euros, of which 15,000 euros are suspended.”

According to independent French journalist Gauthier Baudin, if a 'salary cap' overrun of €275,000 or more - for the current 2025/2026 season - is proven , then Toulouse could face further deductions.