The 25-year-old Bourgoin player has missed Frances first three RBS 6 Nations games with an ankle injury.

But he will replace Imanol Harinordoquy in the forward row for Les Bleus vital fourth game with Ireland at Lansdowne Road on March 12.

When I got injured I gave up any hope of taking part in the 2005 tournament, said Pape, who has won seven caps.

Once you've tasted what its like to play in the French team it's difficult to forget about it, that's why I used that to motivate myself to try to get my form back.

I completed a lot of physiotherapy work, I respected the deadlines and did not rush back to playing.

I now realised that my hard work has paid off and I am delighted that the coaches have decided to call me back.

Two changes in the back row have also been made with winger Cedric Heymans replacing the injured Aurelien Rougerie, while Ludovic Valbon has been preferred to Jean-Philippe Grandclaude.

Heymans has not played for the national team since the dismal 45-6 loss to New Zealand in November.

He said: Playing Ireland in Dublin is always a great challenge but this time they are aiming for the Grand Slam.

My return is not going to be easy to cope with because the match will be very difficult but I won't get worried beforehand.