The 23-year-old, who is set to make his debut with Les Bleus when they take on Scotland in their RBS 6 Nations opener at the Stade de France on February 5, is now committed to the southern side until 2008.

Lamboley is a former Under-18 and Under-21 international and is just one of many promising youngsters in the national team set-up.

But despite the expectations surrounding him, the lock insisted he was surprised to be called into the squad.

I am very happy but I still have problems realising what is happening to me, he said.
I am on a cloud and it's hard coming down from it. This is sincerely a huge surprise for me.

France are the RBS 6 Nations defending champions and will be eager to prove their form after a disappointing winter programme, which saw them lose to Argentina and New Zealand despite defeating Australia in their first Test.

Established France internationals Jean-Baptiste Elissalde and Yannick Jauzion, who will both miss the start of the tournament, are also discussing contract extensions with Stade Toulousain.