Dan Robson has spoken of his “unfinished business” in the Premiership as he prepares to try and heal any leftover “mental scars” from his Wasps torment.
The experienced scrum-half is “excited” about what lies ahead this season having returned to his first rugby home at Gloucester.
Having spent four years in what he describes as his “safe place” in France following Wasps devastating banishment from English club rugby following financial meltdown in 2022.
Robson and the rest of the Wasps players were left to search for new clubs to continue their careers or sort alternative employment to keep paying the bills.
Opportunity
The England star, who still hopes to add to his 14 caps, chose to head to Pau and try his hand in the Top 14.
Robson is now back this side of the Channel having jumped at the chance to sign a two-year deal with Gloucester, where he began his career as a “clueless” teenager.
He has replaced Tomos Williams who departed for Saracens at the end of last season.
Robson admits: “I loved my time with Pau, and made a lot of memories and friends but the opportunity to come back to the Premiership with Gloucester was enticing and tough to turn down.
“There was always at the back of your mind that I might come back to the Premiership. But there were very few clubs who could make that offer and make me feel it was right.
“As long as I got the call saying do I want to play for Gloucester I felt the excitement run through me.
“I have very few memories of my debut here in 2010. I do recall lots of nerves and I didn’t have a clue what was going on!
“A lot of time has passed since then!”
PICTURE: Alamy
Mental scars
He added: “Wasps was naturally such a sad experience at the end. It probably gave me a few of the mental scars that I had from the Premiership.
“I always thought that coming back would be tough even if it was at the back of my mind. And I probably felt a bit safer over in France…. away from it all!
“For sure, I was happy with that for the first couple of years. But now was the perfect time and fit to come back.
“Absolutely, there was unfinished business in the Premiership. I played in two Finals and lost both.
“Gloucester have brought in real quality in terms of players and coaches.
“We have the potential, the squad and the fan-base to win the Premiership. I want to help put us back where we want to be.”
And Robson doesn’t intend to just take a back seat. He wants the no9 jersey.
He said: “I feel I am playing as well as I did when I was playing Test rugby. And I’m excited about testing myself again in the Premiership.
“I learned a lot about myself and my game in France. It’s different over there, the way they play, train and lifestyle.
“You have to adapt and my game is in a good place right now. I feel fit and raring to go.
“Caolan has been brilliant for the team and has never let the team down.
“I am looking forward to that battle for the shirt and that’s what you need for every number in the side.
“If you want to be successful in the Premiership and Europe you need two or three quality players competing for every position.
“You can’t just have a 15, 16 or 17.
“If I get the chance to ‘borrow’ the no9 shirt I will be ready and prepared!”
Support
In other news, hooker Jack Singleton is nearing the end stage of his rehabilitation almost a year after a cardiac event during a training session at Gloucester.
The 30-year-old has not played since the incident in September 2025 and has been receiving support from the Cherry and Whites’ medical team and specialists.
He will not be contracted by Gloucester this season.
Singleton made 75 appearances for the Cherry & Whites after joining the club from Saracens in 2020.
He had a short-term spell with Toulon in 2023 as he recovered from a serious leg injury that left him on the sidelines for almost 12 months.
READ MORE: Ernst van Rhyn: Alex Sanderson can give Sale Sharks bite
Latest News
Sloot setting his sights on making Club history
Brendan Gallagher
Brendan Gallagher: Are today’s players fit? Not in my book
The best betting sites
