The 32-year-old has been out of action since last November after sustaining a serious foot injury during Les Bleus' defeat to New Zealand.

But Magne showed at the weekend that he is back to fitness and he is now hoping to be part of the team that travels to the southern hemisphere.

''I had two uncertainties before the match,'' said Magne in L'Equipe. ''The first was whether my foot would hold on and the second whether I would live up to expectations physically, but everything was positive.''

Magne has also been given encouragement by France coach Bernard Laporte, who has said that he would get his place back as long as he proves he is fit.

''I know that Bernard and (team manager) Jo Maso rely on me,'' Magne said.

''I must play at a high level and show that I am competitive. They are aware of my situation and know it is complicated.

''I would love to take part in the summer tour in Australia and South Africa but I am not the one who decides.''

Although he is yet to find a new club after announcing in January that he would leave Clermont Auvergne at the end of the season, Magne remains optimistic about his future, insisting he will not retire before the 2007 World Cup.

''Some people are more worried about my career than myself,'' Magne said. ''But I am determined and my objective is the 2007 World Cup. I am doing my best.

''I have always experienced ups and downs in my career. The most difficult is not to be called up to play with the France team.

''It's even more difficult to come back to it when you've left it because of an injury, but my motivation is stronger than ever.''

Les Bleus, who finished second in the 2005 RBS 6 Nations, will fly to South Africa on June 12 for two Test matches against the Springboks on June 18 in Durban and on June 25 in Port Elizabeth.

They will then go to Australia to face the Wallabies for their final summer Test on July 2 in Brisbane.

Laporte and Maso will announce their squad on June 1.