The 31-year-old Saracens player won 72 caps and had captained his country 27 times when he decided to hang up his boots after the 2003 World Cup in Australia last November.

But it seems that Laporte and Jo Maso, the team manager, never considered him fully retired because of his young age, even though he declared he wanted to spend more time with his family.

"When he told us about his will to stop we understood his reasons," Maso said.

"But we also said to him that he was still very young and that he could re-think his decision.

"I said to him to enjoy his season in England and that we would see what happens afterwards.

"The door to the French team was never closed to him. If he comes back that will be very positive for the French team because he was an inspirational captain.

"He also had a remarkable attitude on the pitch."

Ibanez meanwhile, is just recovering from a right Achilles injury and claims he does not expect anything from Laportes call-up.

"I underwent a lot of physiotherapy on my Achilles and it went well. I played the last 15 minutes against Wasps at Twickenham on Saturday," Ibanez told LEquipe.

"I was not expecting to be called up by Laporte. I don't know what to think about it but it does not force me to commit myself to anything.

"I will next meet with the French team staff.

France start their autumn Test matches on November 13 against Australia, followed by Argentina (on November 20) and New Zealand (November 27).

Until then, Laporte and Maso will carry out physical tests on around 55 shortlisted players after the summer Test matches in June. Their aim is to build a side competitive enough to win the 2007 World Cup in France.