Both Maso and coach Bernard Laporte created a mini-controversy at the start of January when they declared that they were thinking about replacing usual number eight Imanol Harinordoquy, whose performance during the November Test matches did not live up to expectations, with the Toulouse talent.

But Servat, who started his career as a number eight, has developed over recent seasons into one of the most destructive hookers in the world game, and he was unhappy with the prospect of reverting to the back-row.

He admitted his confusion at the time: How should I understand that? Does he (Laporte) count on me or not?

I don't really understand, or rather, I understand that by being willing to change my position he questions my qualities as a hooker.

However, Maso cleared-up any confusion after announcing the squad ahead of their RBS 6 Nations opener with Scotland, and declared: William is one of the best European hookers, if not the world's best.

He is so talented that he could also be a number eight but there are better experts than him in the third row.

Servat was first called up by Laporte as a replacement for the retired hooker, Raphael Ibanez, during the 2004 RBS 6 Nations.

Since then he has earned a total of ten caps for Les Bleus.