A criterion for ductile rupture is derived using Rice's theory for macroscopic strain localization, and a constitutive relation for porous plastic solids that accounts for inhomogeneous yielding at the mesoscale. At the microscopic scale, it is assumed that failure occurs by void coalescence along a band of voids. An approximate, parameter-free closed form expression for the failure criterion is derived as a function of a single scalar damage variable –the porosity– and the macroscopic stress state, characterized by the stress triaxiality and Lode parameters. For practical applications, an uncoupled approach is developed whereby the failure criterion is supplemented with a damage-free plasticity model and a loading path dependent damage evolution law. The predictive capabilities of the approach are illustrated by comparisons with finite element cell model studies. In particular, the influence of strain hardening is investigated in some detail. © 2020 Elsevier Ltd