Llewellyn says he would relish the chance to play in France

The 35-year-old has been released by the Ospreys despite still having 11 months to run on his contract.

He said: "It does not look as though it is going to happen for me now in Wales. I just want to play top-level rugby.

"There are a few clubs in England looking for second-rows, but perhaps there are reservations about my age."

Llewellyn is still considered good enough to play international rugby by Wales coach Mike Ruddock, and is set to extend his record cap haul to 90 in Saturday's Test against South Africa.

He says he has no intentions of retiring from the international stage and hopes to emulate team-mates Gareth Thomas and Stephen Jones in securing a contract with a French club and continuing to play for Wales.

If I went to France I'd have to prove myself again Gareth Llewellyn

"I enjoyed my time in the English Premiership at Harlequins after joining them in 1995 and had a great four years there," Llewellyn added.

"The French championship is tough and pretty competitive and probably played in better weather conditions too.

"I'd certainly enjoy that aspect of the game in France. I enjoyed the experience of living in London, but living in France would be something new again.

"There'd be a possibility of learning French and taking my family there and giving them that experience too. I'm certainly not looking for a jolly somewhere. I want to go out there and test myself."

He added: "I know from playing against the French clubs in Europe how tough they can be so I'd like that challenge.

"When I moved to Harlequins from Neath in 1995 I had to prove myself and it was the same when I returned to the Gnoll. If I went to France I'd have to prove myself again.