Toulon fullback Melvyn Jaminet says he is determined to fight his way back into the French Test side after serving a 34-week suspension for posting a racist video.

The 26-year-old has not featured for Les Bleus since the incident surfaced during their tour of Argentina in June last year.

“When I saw the French national team play this summer against the All Blacks, it definitely makes you want to play,” Jaminet told AFP.

“The cards are not in my hands. Only the truth on the pitch can make us forget this affair.”

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Jaminet returned to action in February and has been steadily rebuilding his career at Toulon. French Rugby Federation president Florian Grill described his progress as “an interesting path”, noting the player’s good behaviour over recent months.

For now, Jaminet insists his focus remains on club rugby rather than the November internationals, where France will face Fiji, Australia, and a blockbuster clash with the Springboks at the Stade de France.

“For now I’m focused on the club, I don’t want to spread myself too thin,” he said.

“I’m really keen to show that I can deliver, and if I’m lucky enough to return to the French national team one day, it will mean that I’ve performed well.”

Jaminet joined Toulon in December 2023 but barely got going before being sidelined for almost eight months. His immediate aim is consistency.

“I hope I don’t get injured and perform well in every match to rediscover my serenity and help the team,” he added ahead of Sunday’s Top 14 clash against La Rochelle.

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The former Toulouse star showed signs of that last week, kicking a conversion and landing the first drop goal of his Top 14 career in Toulon’s 16-12 win over Castres.

© Agence France-Presse

Photo: Grant Pitcher/Gallo Images