Inspirational French centre Yannick Jauzion made his international debut in France's 32-23 victory over South Africa in Johannesburg in June 2001. A product of Colomiers' late 90s success, Jauzion has forged a reputation as one of the finest centres in world rugby thanks to his winning combination of flair, pace and strength.

Having moved to French giants Toulouse in 2002, Jauzion collected a Heineken Cup winner's medal in his first season at the club. Despite missing out on the 2002 French Grand Slam, Jauzion gained a place in the squad for the 2003 Six Nations. France were unable to repeat their achievement, losing to champions England in their first game.

Jauzion's five appearances were enough to secure him a place on the plane to Australia for the 2003 World Cup. After scoring a hat trick of tries in France's opening game against Fiji, Jauzion started four of six matches and forged a strong partnership in the centre with Tony Marsh.

Following a defeat to England in the semi final, Jauzion and France bounced back by winning a Grand Slam in the 2004 Six Nations. Jauzion started all of France's matches, scoring in the opener against Ireland and adding a brace in a 31-0 victory over Scotland at Murrayfield.

At domestic level Jauzion was less fortunate in that season's Heineken Cup, where Toulouse were unable to secure an unprecedented third title, losing 27-20 to London Wasps.

Jauzion found himself behind Brian Liebenberg in the pecking order for the first two fixtures of the 2005 Six Nations, including a victory over England at Twickenham. He returned for the fixture against Wales at the Stade De France, but was unable to stop France slipping to their only loss of the championship.

Back at club level, Jauzion and Toulouse were able to secure another Heineken Cup victory in 2005 with victory over perennial rivals Stade Francais at Murrayfield. Jauzion lit up the grandest stage in European club rugby with a man of the match performance.

With injury ruling him out of the 2006 Six Nations, it was not until the French championship success in 2007 that he was able to regain his place in the international setup.

Jauzion managed to secure a place in the 2007 French World Cup squad, and scored a controversial match winning try against New Zealand in the quarter finals before England ended French hopes of winning the tournament on home soil.

Following the World Cup Jauzion suffered an alrming dip in form, culminating in a disappointing Six Nations in which new French coach Marc Lievremont chose to rotate his squad. Jauzion's only appearances would be against Wales and Italy.

Jauzion's disappointing season would culminate with a Heineken Cup final loss to Munster at the Millennium Stadium, but he was on hand to help Toulouse to a morale boosting victory over Clermont Auvergne in the Top 14 final.

Scrum Staff September 2008