Mathieu Bastareaud has admitted that he is hoping to put the past behind him this weekend when France take on New Zealand.

The 24-year-old, who currently represents Toulon, caused controversy in 2009 when he claimed that he had been assaulted during an incident in New Zealand, which later proved to be a false accusation.

"I messed up. The only thing I can say, and I have done that, is quite simply to apologise and move on and show that on the pitch I can be a very good rugby player," he told reporters at a press conference.

"I'm not apprehensive about anyone in particular, they aren't going to eat me. For me it really is behind me and I am looking ahead. I want to have a good tour here and end a fine season with something big."

Bastareaud has made 10 appearances for his country.