Ibanez has been invited to undergo fitness tests with the national team by coach Bernard Laporte and the veteran forward revealed the experience of being back in the international fold has re-awoken some emotions he thought had long-since died.

This is stunning. When I decided to hang up my boots last autumn I was convinced it was the right decision, said Ibanez, who called time on France following last years World Cup having earned 72 caps with Les Bleus.

But now I am getting more and more convinced that I can come back with the team.

This is a matter of spirit and challenge which is really exciting. Maybe there are things inside me that have not yet been achieved.

France, the RBS 6 Nations champions, will play three Test matches in November when they take on Australia, Argentina and New Zealand.

Laporte is giving nothing away with regards to a recall but the decision to summon Ibanez for the medicals indicates the France coach believes the front-rower still has a part to play on the biggest stage.

The fact that Raphael is taking the tests is very good, it shows he has a very professional attitude and that even if he stopped his international career, he still plays rugby, Laporte said.

We do not count on him right now but if he turns out to be available we will see. For us Raphael can come back but his future is in his hands.

Ibanez added: Rugby is a sport where you always need a lot of passion and enthusiasm.

I have always had that feeling since I started my career in Dax. And now rugby has caught my interest back.

Meanwhile, France fly-half Frederic Michalak, is likely to be out of action for another two weeks with the right shoulder injury he picked up on August 12.

The Stade Toulouse youngster also underwent fitness tests in Marcoussis on Monday, however he does not yet feel ready to return to action.

Physically I feel fine and I never stopped training since the injury, Michalak said in L'Equipe. But the problem is that my shoulder has not fully recovered and I can't take knocks.

In the past week however I have felt that it was getting better and I am seeing the light at the end of the tunnel.