The legendary French centre, who won the Five Nations six times, is expected to take up a role with former club Agen after coaches Christophe Deylaud and Christian Lanta announced their departures at the end of the season.

The news comes as a blow to France who kick off their campaign at home to Italy in Bourgoin on February 3, trying to improve on last year’s second place.

And Sella revealed the chance to work at his former club is something that he would find difficult to turn down.

“I’m not going to play the innocent. I’ve followed the recent activity at Agen, which is a club close to my heart having experienced some great sporting moments there,” said Sella who was the first man to win 100 international caps.

“I have friends at the club like Daniel Dubroca [former France skipper and coach, now vice-president of the board at Agen] who has wanted to get me involved for a number of years.

“I know Alain Tingaud [president of Agen] wants to meet me and his interest towards me does not leave me indifferent.”

Meanwhile the vice-president of the FFR Jean Dunyach admitted Sella’s departure had come as a complete surprise after his contract was renewed last month.

“I was surprised because during our work there was nothing to indicate that he would distance himself from the Under-20s. Now it’s his decision and he’s told me no more.”