Nick Abendanon has admitted that he was fully aware his chances of representing England once more were as good as over when he agreed to join Clermont Auvergne.

The 28-year-old, whose only previous appearance for the Red Rose came against France in August 2007, made a move to the Top 14 outfit last summer following a 10-year spell at Bath Rugby.

However, some impressive displays in the European Rugby Champions Cup this season have led to suggestions that Abendanon, along with Toulon's Steffon Armitage, could be called up to Stuart Lancaster's 45-man World Cup training squad later this year.

Asked about the RFU's decision to overlook French-based players, Abendanon told talkSPORT: "When I made the decision to come over to France I knew that was the case. I knew they had this policy in place when I made the decision.

"In all honesty, I was putting my England career to bed as I hadn't been picked for seven years. I was looking for something new and wanted to experience something exciting. I've found that here. It just so happens that playing for a team like Clermont, with all these fantastic international players, means, I feel, my game has got a lot better.

"The topic [of playing for England] has been brought up again. It's one of those things that if you want to play in France then you have to put that England prospect behind you. There is a World Cup coming up, and it may change. If it does, then I'd be delighted to get involved with the England team again."

Lancaster will name his initial 45-man squad next month, ahead of this Autumn's World Cup on home soil.