The 31-year-old Saracens hooker played 72 games for France - 27 as captain - before deciding to hang up his boots following last years World Cup in Australia.

But the France coaching team of Bernard Laporte and Jo Maso have not given up on Ibanez and last week invited the player to undergo fitness tests in Marcoussis ahead of the November Test matches.

Maso said: 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.

And Ibanez, who retired so he could spend more time with his family, could be tempted by a return to the international arena.

I am not expecting any favours from Laporte and Jo Maso, Ibanez told Midi Olympique.

But this is a great challenge for me. I want to prove to myself that I am capable of it.
Ibanez, who had been suffering from an Achilles injury, made his return to competitive action on September 4 when he played the last 15 minutes against Wasps at Twickenham.

France start their autumn internationals on November 13 against Australia and then play Argentina (November 20) and New Zealand (November 27).

Ibanezs former Les Bleus team-mate Christian Califano might also be seen donning a France shirt again in the future despite announcing his retirement.

Like Ibanez, the prop opted to concentrate on his club career following last years World Cup.

But a series of inspirational displays for Agen has led the 31-year-old to contemplate a return to the national team.

I am a rugby player who is with a team that is doing well at the moment, Califano said in L'Equipe.

As far as the French team is concerned I have not closed the door on it. I am probably not a first choice anymore but in case of an injury why not?

Califano, who unlike Ibanez has yet to hear from Laporte about a possible recall, admits his decision to quit the French team probably came too soon.

I mixed up everything, I decided to hang up my international boots at a time where my form was far from the best, he said.

I was becoming completely introverted even though Laporte trusted me. I was not well at all.

Now I am better but the decision to play again with Les Bleus is not mine.