Former France lock David Auradou returned to his old club Stade Francais on Monday on a one year contract from city rivals Racing-Metro.

The 34-year-old - who played for Stade from 1996-2007 and won four championships with them - was part of the Racing side that narrowly failed to gain promotion to the French elite last season.

The return of Auradou - who was capped 40 times and was a member of the Six Nations Grand Slam winning sides of 2002 and 2004 - further strengthens a Stade second row that had been hit by the departures of Cliff Milton and Boela Du Plooy - they had already secured Robins Tchale-Watchou from Auch and Clermont's Pierre Vigouroux.

Stade have also snapped up Albi prop Pierre Correia on a three year contract and South African scrum-half Falie Oelschig from the Cheetahs - the 29-year-old signed a three year contract and replaces Jerome Fillol, who has left for Metro.

However, Metro have also lost 23-year-old hooker Laurent Sempere, who is joining Auradou at Stade.

Stade are still on the lookout for a backrow forward to replace French international Remy Martin, who was signed by Bayonne, but have reinforced their backline with 27-year-old Agen flyer Dave Vainqueur.

The latest recruits come as new coach Ewen McKenzie - who replaced Fabien Galthie - endeavours to revive the club after a relatively disappointing season which saw them exit the European Cup and fail to make the French Championship final.

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