Poitrenaud returned to the national side in early 2003, to play in all of France's matches during the 2003 Six Nations Championship, which included losses to England and Ireland, with wins over Wales, Italy and Scotland. In the lead up to the Rugby World Cup he appeared in three matches for France; in the losses to Argentina, the All Blacks and England. He was called up to the French squad for the 2003 Rugby World Cup in Australia. He played in the 51–29 victory over Japan as well as the 41–14 in over the United States during the pool stages. France played the All Blacks in the third place match.