French winger Christophe Dominici said yesterday he hoped to have overcome his illness in time for the start of the Six Nations championship in February.

Dominici, out since late October and treated for depression, told Le Parisien that he felt he was making good progress.

"Within a month I hope to be ready to return to the pitch," he said. "I am going to be working towards playing in the Six Nations. I really want that. Things are going well, but I'm starting to really miss my mates - and the sport of rugby."

Dominici paid tribute to his Stade Francais club for standing by him during his illness.

"The club is like a second family for me," he said. "No one has let me down. I've felt tremendous support and love. I don't know if it would have been like that at another club."

France open their Six Nations campaign against Scotland on February 4th.