BEN Earl labels Bristol ‘my second club' and is relishing a swift return to the place he claims has helped make him a better player during his short stay away from Saracens.
The flanker expects some friendly social media fire in the build up to Sarries big Premiership return from some of the Bears players.
He should also be prepared for a far less welcoming reception when he runs out at Ashton Gate on Friday night than the one he received a year ago when he chose to temporary move rugby house to the West Country rather than play in the Championship.
Those fans who cheered him as Bristol reached the play-off semi-finals before losing to eventual winners Harlequins, will be hoping Earl and his newly-promoted team endure a miserable experience.
England star Earl, 23, insists: “Personally, I wouldn't have wanted any other fixture first up! Playing rugby on a Friday night in Bristol is perfect!
“I made some friends for life and loved it down there. It was a good environment with brilliant facilities. I couldn't have been more grateful to Bristol for taking me in and they are my second team now when we are not playing them.
“It was a different way of seeing the game and hopefully I've come back a better player than I left. That was the aim and I think I became more of a senior player in a group.
“It will be weird going back so soon and I'm sure I will catch up with them for a beer afterwards. It will be good catching up with Pat Lam, below. He is a very interesting man. He has a lot going on and is the heartbeat of that club.
“It was a shame the ground wasn't full last season because they are such passionate crowd.
“We had a glimpse of it in the last couple of games but I'm looking forward to it next week.
“My attitude or approach will not change when we play them. It will be very professional and playing for Sarries I know what is expected of me on the field to keep my place.
“I've not had any messages yet but I'm sure they will be coming from Monday onwards. I'm sure they will be all very professional!
“We know what to expect from them, but whatever happens in the game one week doesn't make or break your season. It's a long road ahead with so many challenges along the way.”
Earl is expecting a positive Sarries response on the field to their return to top flight action and says they will be ready to explode into action when they arrive in Bristol –that's despite being given something of a shock by Ulster in the second of their back-to-back games on Thursday night when they lost 33-3.
He says it is not about just one game. They have their focus on a long season ahead.
“Everyone appreciates that we have taken our punishment, done our time and have now been promoted back to the best and most competitive league in world rugby. I'm back with my mates. Back with the club I love and competing for them again. So I'm very excited about the season.
“It's going to be a big challenge but we know what to expect and what we need to do.
“We've not spoken about titles or trophies. We've just spoken about week by week, how we power ourselves and grow together as a group. And we know the by-product of that is results and hopefully titles again.”
By GARY FITZGERALD
