Ex-England captain Lawrence Dallaglio believes the performance of French clubs in the Champions Cup shows their national side is underperforming.
Clermont Auvergne thrashed Premiership leaders Northampton Saints and Wasps lost to defending champions Toulon.
However, France lost to Ireland, England and Wales in the Six Nations.
“I’d argue we’re seeing a crisis in French rugby,” said Dallaglio. “I see players who are outstanding for their clubs not playing well for France.”
The former Wasps flanker believes the cash-rich Top 14’s ability to attract southern hemisphere stars such as Will Genia and Dan Carter is stunting the development of native players.
France have not finished above fourth place in the Six Nations since 2011.
“There is something going dramatically wrong in French rugby because while they’re happy to attract the biggest and best foreign names to their club game, they’re doing so at the expense of their national side,” said Dallaglio.
“There’s a balance to be struck and we’ve got it right in England, Ireland and Wales, but in France it’s totally out of balance.”
