French centre Wesley Fofana has revealed that he came close to giving up rugby.
The 24-year-old, who plays for Clermont Auvergne, has been in outstanding club form and will make his international debut against Italy in the Six Nations opener on Saturday.
Fofana was a promising footballer in his youth and played alongside the likes of French international winger Jeremy Menez.
He admits that he initially had doubts over his rugby ability and lacked hunger for the sport.
"I almost gave rugby up. I was a little bit too nonchalant. It was very strict, very rigorous and I really didn't have the hunger to pursue a professional career in the sport," Fofana explained.
"I asked myself 'Why not stop?' However, the physical trainer of the French youth training group (Jean-Luc Arnaud) said to me: 'Are you crazy? No, do not stop.'
"So I carried on and I've done well, I think."
The teams will open the tournament on Saturday at 2.30pm GMT.
Robert Summerscales
