Dan Robson returns to Gloucester determined to leave mark, not just visit
Back in the Premiership after four seasons alongside Antoine Dupont at Pau, the scrum-half says he intends to help rebuild his old club rather than simply enjoy the homecoming.
Dan Robson has rejoined Gloucester after four years in the French Top 14, telling Guardian Rugby Union that he "haven't come back for a jolly" as he looks to play his part in the club's rebuilding process.
The scrum-half spent the last four seasons with Pau, where he lined up alongside Antoine Dupont and Maxime Lucu, before returning this summer to the club where he began his Premiership career.
Robson admits the switch back to English conditions has brought a change in diet as well as rugby. "No more croissants for breakfast," he said. "But it's good to be back. My waistline is thanking me."
The move to south-west France left a deeper mark than the on-field experience. His two young sons, Laker and Roux, were both born in Pau during his time there.
"It's always going to have a special place in our hearts as a family," Robson said of the city.
Asked whether he would encourage other players to try a spell abroad, the word "amazing" followed swiftly, according to Guardian Rugby Union.
Part of the appeal of life in the Pyrenees was the company of Jack Willis, a close friend from their days together at Wasps. The pair reconnected regularly in France after Wasps' financial collapse forced both players to rebuild their careers away from England.
Robson's return comes with an eye on what Gloucester can achieve this season, with the scrum-half understood to believe the club is capable of making a genuine impact, as reported by Guardian Rugby Union.