But Rougerie is a doubt to feature from the beginning of the tournament after picking up the injury playing for Clermont Auvergne in a 48-3 victory over Bayonne on 30 December.

Rougerie is a veteran of 30 RBS 6 Nations appearances, winning 21 of those matches, while he was an ever-present in France’s 2002 Grand Slam victory.

The centre, who can also play on the wing, helped France to opening wins over Italy and Scotland in the 2012 RBS 6 Nations, and will be hoping he return to full fitness quickly.

A statement on the Clermont website read: “After being injured in the 72nd minute of play, Clermont captain Aurélien Rougerie suffered a severe sprain of the right ankle.

“A scan later that evening proved there was no risk of a fracture, but he will be ruled out for the following five or six weeks.

“Further examinations will be conducted to assess his unavailability, but the injury means he will definitely be missing for the remaining Heineken Cup games against Exeter and the Scarlets.”

And Rougerie may well be missing for France’s opening clash against Italy on 3 February, while the 9 February meeting with Wales could also come too soon for him.