The 31-year-old Castres stand-off has been included by coach Bernard Laporte in the squad that will begin their title defence on February 5 against Scotland at the Stade de France.

Having seen his career affected by injuries, Delaigue, who has 12 caps, hopes to start again from scratch in the tournament which will see him in direct competition with Frederic Michalak for Frances No 10 jersey.

In 1999 I picked up a cruciate ligament injury in my right knee when I was poised to be called up for the World Cup, said Delaigue.

In 2003 I was meant to face Italy in the Six Nations but I strained my calf.

Then, at the start of our second Test against Argentina in Buenos Aires in June, I injured my left arm. I have been injured enough, I deserve some sort of peace now.

Delaigue started his international career against Scotland 11 years ago.

It is true that I have the experience and physically I am capable of lasting until the 2007 World Cup, even though it does not depend on me, Delaigue added.
I don't intend to play against Scotland on February 5 and then leave again. I know what I have to do to stay longer with France.

I want to prove I can become a more permanent feature of the team. That's where the expectations will be, on my ability to perform regularly.

Laporte insisted Delaigue had the experience that Michalak still lacks as a fly-half - and the French boss is adamant he can rely on Delaigue in the long term.

He is currently the best No 10 in France, said Laporte, when announcing his 22-man squad for the RBS 6 Nations on Tuesday.

We wanted him for the 2003 World Cup but he injured himself just beforehand.

Yann has a lot of experience and control with his club. Frederic has the freshness and the ambition but not the experience and composure yet.

In the long term we will see how things go with him (Delaigue) in terms of physical condition, added Laporte.

I don't think that his age will be a problem in this position but obviously we won't tell him next week that he will definitely be the No 10 in 2007.

That is why Michalak is still in the squad. Yann is capable of bringing something to the team and if he'd played against the All Blacks in November (France lost 45-7), he would have had more more control.

Laporte will announce his starting line-up for their opener against Scotland on February 1.