While France were not at their best during the tournament, Maestri was one of their standout players, winning the man of the match award in the 17-17 draw with Ireland at the same stadium.

The 24-year-old returns to Saint Denis to take on Stade Français with Toulouse top of the French league and he revealed it was a good thing for the sport to have a high profile league game at the stadium.

He said: “It’s a good souvenir [to play at the Stade de France] but more so after the game when you look back at it. When you are out there the focus is on what is happening in the game itself.

“The rest is for the spectators. But playing a Top 14 game in this stadium is a good thing for rugby.

“The focus is always on your club unless you are called into the squad for the Six Nations.”