The 26-year-old Biarritz forward, who was a revelation at the 2003 World Cup in Australia, is expected to play in his club's friendly with Castres on Thursday night.

I am really impatient to catch up on lost time, Thion told L'Equipe.

My calf and my tendon are stronger than ever. I have put in a lot of hard work with the physiotherapists and the fitness coaches. I just need to resume competition now.

Thions Achilles was operated on in January.

The next day my foot was in plaster and I was walking with crutches, he added.

It was a shock because I used to train twice a day. I needed training to lose the physical and psychological pressures that I felt.

I was down and it was not easy. I had also only played seven matches at Biarritz. I felt guilty. Fortunately the club's managers were great with me.

Thion's objective is to regain full fitness in time for the Top 16 restart when Biarritz face Beziers on August 18.

He is also looking at regaining his national team place.

Of course, I am thinking about Les Bleus, but one thing at a time, said Thion.

If I am good with Biarritz it will come naturally.