The 30-year-old was ignored by new coach Marc Lievremont for this year's RBS 6 Nations Championship, and that allowed him to focus his energy on his club duties with Sale.

Chabal is still desperate to play for France but appreciates he will probably be out of the equation for good should he not be called upon this summer.

''It wasn't just for pleasure that the coaching staff saw lots of players during the Six Nations - it was because they are preparing for the World Cup in 2011,'' he said.

''This summer, there are going to be a few constraints on them and they are going to be forced to see yet more players because they will not be able to call upon those involved in the semi-finals of the Top 14.

''After that, the staff are going to tighten the squad. If they do not call me up for this tournament, that would mean they have people in my position and that I am no longer first or second choice.''

Lievremont will name his squad for the tour on June 9.