But the 32-year-old has doused water on those hopes as he admits he is now targeting a return to action for Stade Francais’ Top 14 clash with Toulouse on March 23, meaning he will miss France’s last two RBS 6 Nations clashes with Ireland and Scotland.

Thierry Dusautoir has taken over the captaincy in Pape's absence, with France bottom of the table after three defeats in their first three matches. 

Elsewhere, Toulouse head coach Guy Noves is set to help out France chief Philippe Saint-Andre by resting some of his international contingent as his side tackle Toulon this weekend.

Toulon have confirmed that fly-half Frederic Michalak and centre Mathieu Bastareaud will start but Noves appears more willing to put the international team first.

“I'm going to leave out those who have played a lot of games. The priority is the French national team. We want to help them to win at least one match,” Noves said.

“Thierry Dusautoir, Louis Picamoles, Yoann Maestri and Yoann Huget all rested this weekend against Toulon.

“Vincent Clerc, Maxime Medard, Florian Fritz and Yannick Nyanga are in contention to feature.”