Chabal's Sale contract runs until the summer of 2010

Sale back-row forward Sebastien Chabal has confirmed he plans to return to France after playing in England over the past four years.

The 31-year-old France international has become a cult figure at the club since joining from Bourgoin in 2004.

"I'm going to return to France - that's certain," said Chabal. "I have a few possibilities but nothing definitive. I have not signed for any club."

Chabal's current contract with Sale is due to expire in the summer of 2010.

Chabal was speaking after Sale's 16-12 defeat by Montauban in the Heineken Cup.

606: DEBATE What would Chabal's departure mean for Sale?

Chabal, who mentioned Montpellier as one possibility, hinted he would be keen to continue to work with Sale director of rugby Philippe Saint-Andre, who is returning to France at the end of the season.

"I'm also waiting to see what Philippe Saint-Andre does as he is also heading back to France," said Chabal, who rejected an offer to join Toulon in the summer.

Chabal, who has won 42 caps for France, won the Premiership title with Sale in 2006.

He became hugely popular in France during the 2007 World Cup, although many of his caps have been won as a replacement and he has had several spells in the international wilderness.

In November Chabal started for the first time in three matches as France were beaten 18-13 by Australia in Paris.

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