Flutey returns for Brive

Flutey had been ruled out of action with a shoulder injury since making his debut for the French outfit in the 9-9 draw against ASM Clermont Auvergne on 28 August, 2009.

Having been an unused replacement in the return game in Clermont over the Christmas period, he got back into action in the outstanding 29-9 home win over Perpignan last weekend.

In tandem with fellow England international Jamie Noon in the Brive Midfield, Flutey helped Brive record a third home win in a row and move up to ninth in the Top 14 table.

And his return to full fitness sets up the prospect of the English midfield ace coming face-to-face with his two 2009 Lions centre rivals Brian O'Driscoll and Gordon D'Arcy when Brive travel to the RDS for their fifth round Heineken Cup clash with reigning champions Leinster.

Brive have yet to pick up a point in Pool 6 in the Heineken Cup this season but, with Flutey back in the side, they will be hoping to end their campaign with a bang when they travel to Dublin and then complete their Pool assignments with a home clash with the Scarlets.