Sebastien Chabal's days as a France international could be over after head coach Marc Lievremont indicated the Sale number eight's style of play does not suit Les Bleus' new-look side.

Chabal, who was a member of France's World Cup squad last year, was not called up by Lievremont for this season's RBS 6 Nations Championship campaign.

And there may be no way back for the rampaging 30-year-old, with Lievremont saying: "Chabal has been performing in his own way, a way which clearly isn't how we see the game."

The international future of fly-half Frederic Michalak, another player who did not feature in the Six Nations, looks to be more secure.

Michalak moved to South Africa after the World Cup to play for the Sharks, and has impressed in his short time in the southern hemisphere.

He could be recalled for France's two-Test tour of Australia in June.

When asked about the prospect of Michalak returning this summer, Lievremont added: "I can envisage it, of course. It is even probable.

"He will be in prime form at the end of the (Super 14) season with the Sharks, and he can bring a lot to us.

"He is a brilliant player and like all brilliant players, we are interested in him."

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