Pelous returns for Les Bleus

France captain Fabien Pelous has returned to training after a spell on the sidelines with an ankle problem.

The Toulouse lock, who sustained the injury during a Heineken Cup match against Llanelli Scarlets on December 16, is striving to be fit for the start of the RBS 6 Nations Championship, which begins at the start of February.

Pelous is glad to back on the pitch after a four-week absence.

“It was the first time (back in training) and I have been impatiently waiting for this moment,” he told Canal+.

“It was a real pleasure. I haven’t rushed things. I felt a little discomfort, but nothing awkward.”

Les Bleus’ first game is against Italy in Rome on February 3.

One player who will not be featuring in that match is Pepito Elhorga.

The Agen full-back was not included in Bernard Laporte’s 40-man squad for the tournament, even though he played a significant part in Les Bleus’ November Tests.

He is disappointed not to have made the cut, but hopes to be back in the France fold soon.

“I was very disappointed, that’s for certain, and it hit me hard,” he said.

“But I said to myself that it isn’t all over, that I still have a chance. It is a big challenge to lift myself up again.”