France head coach Fabien Galthie said on Tuesday the return of captain Antoine Dupont brings an "aura" to the team before they embark on this year's Six Nations. "It's quite a magical competition," former France captain Galthie said.

Antoine Dupont will make a much-awaited return to the Six Nations after a one-year hiatus that cemented his status as one of France's top athletes, hoping Les Bleus can win the tournament on the back of a perfect autumn series.

French Olympic star Antoine Dupont will bring his "aura" to Les Bleus as they seek to deny Ireland an unprecedented third successive Six Nations title, head coach Fabien Galthie said at the tournament launch on Tuesday.