Nick Abendanon© Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images

Nick Abendanon is hoping his impressive form for Clermont Auvergne will tempt Stuart Lancaster to use the special dispensation clause to call on those based in France for the Rugby World Cup.

Abendanon excelled for Clermont in their 37-5 demolition of Northampton on Saturday and was named Man of the Match. It is Abendanon's first season at Clermont after he left Bath at the end of last term but he has made a storming start to life in France and has established himself as one of the form fullbacks in the Top 14.

Steffon Armitage is another who has been mentioned as a potential World Cup bolter but both he and Abendanon have the odds stacked against them as they play their rugby in France. The Rugby Football Union will only consider picking those playing abroad in 'exceptional circumstances' and though the Clermont fullback is not banking on a call-up to the World Cup squad, he is hoping his form will give Lancaster food for thought.

"I'd love to get a call from Stuart Lancaster over the summer, but I'm not counting on it because they've got that rule in place," Abendanon said. "I understand the reasons for the rule and in my heart I knew that when I came to France, my England career was probably over.

"But special dispensation for the World Cup? Well, if I stay injury free, keep playing some good rugby, then maybe it's a possibility in the same way that people have been talking about Steffon. I've picked the three games against English teams to win man of the match!"

Abendanon has a two-year deal at Clermont and he is enjoying life in France.

"I've loved it at Clermont. I was very scared to come to such a big club. Ninety per cent of the players didn't know who I was when I came here. Luckily I've performed fairly well, so it's made life a lot easier for me," he said. "I've come out here with my fiancee. We love the French way of life, we have a fantastic apartment and friends we've made for life. If things go well, I can see myself staying here for a long time.

"But it all depends. If I do get a call from Stuart for the World Cup or want to give my England chances another shot, I may have to reconsider my options."