Marsh has not played for France for over a year

Marsh played a major role in France's 2002 Grand Slam victory, before being diagnosed with cancer.

He has since undergone chemotherapy to remove a tumor and has made a dramatic recovery as France continue to build towards the Rugby World Cup.

"Our first match will take place on August 22 against Romania in Lens, but I think it will be too early for me", the 30-year-old said.

"I have set my sights on the game against England on August 30 in Marseille or on the return match a week later at Twickenham. By then, we should know if I'm ready or not."

Marsh was drafted in by France in November 2001, as soon as he qualified at the end of a compulsory three-year period of residency.

When I heard I was in the squad, it was a real relief Tony Marsh

He immediately helped his new team to successive wins over world champions Australia, South Africa and Fiji and went on to win 11 caps.

France coach Bernard Laporte, who has said all along that Marsh would go to Australia if there was the slightest chance he would be fit to play, duly named him in his 30-man squad on 2 July.

"When I heard I was in the squad, it was a real relief but I know the French staff are running a big risk and I hope to be worthy of their confidence," Marsh said.

"But it's a bit frustrating to be left on the fringe of the group.

"For the time being, I'm not doing the same thing as my team mates but I have learned to be patient and as I know I can rely on Laporte's confidence I'm going into the last stretch with great faith."