Rugby: Bastareaud may return to NZ

French rugby player Mathieu Bastareaud, who lied about being attacked after a defeat by the All Blacks last year, could be back in Wellington next year.

He has been named in a 30-man French squad ahead of the Six Nations championship starting next month, which puts him on course for a return to New Zealand for next year's Rugby World Cup -- and possibly Wellington, for France's pool game against Tonga.

The 21 year old - whose recall was not expected even by sports newspaper L'Equipe when they predicted their squad in Wednesday's edition - looked to have abruptly cut short a burgeoning international career when in June last year he falsely claimed to have been beaten up outside the French team hotel in Wellington.

Bastareaud had said he was attacked by up to five people following a 14-10 loss to the All Blacks.

It was only after the New Zealand Government issued a formal apology for the incident that a distressed Bastareaud admitted he had made the story up and had instead fallen over a table in his hotel room in a drunken stupor.

That led to French Prime Minister Francois Fillon apologising to his New Zealand counterpart, John Key.

Bastareaud admitted he made a mistake and apologised to all concerned.

He was not suspended for the fib, but after undergoing treatment in a psychiatric unit and performing community service on the orders of the French Rugby Federation he returned to the fray, reinvigorated, and has been his club Stade Francais' outstanding player this season.

"The unfortunate Bastareaud episode of (last) summer is closed for us now," French coach Marc Lievremont said. "Mathieu Bastareaud's return is justified by his club performances and the fact he has started his community service work."

Bastareaud's chances of making the matchday 22 and even the starting line-up have been enhanced because of an injury to experienced centre Damien Traille.

France is in a strong position to challenge for the Six Nations title with home games against defending Grand Slam champion Ireland, Italy and England.

Even though France conceded five unanswered tries in its 39-12 loss to New Zealand in November, Lievremont insists he "saw many encouraging things" in the way the team played.

France dominated South Africa's huge pack in an impressive 20-13 victory and then crushed Samoa 43-5 in the November tests.

- NZPA, AGENCIES