France star Louis Picamoles admits he is relishing the chance of taking on a new challenge this season after making the switch to English side Northampton Saints.
The 30-year-old back-row powerhouse has made 22 RBS 6 Nations appearances in his 54 caps for Les Bleus, but only played once in the 2016 Championship after being forced off with a hamstring injury just 20 minutes into France’s first game against Italy.
But the fit-again former Toulouse man is now looking to propel the Saints back into the top-four teams in English rugby after Northampton finished a disappointing fifth last term.
“The Premiership is a big championship, very fast and probably even faster than in France,” the No.8 told the Northampton Chronicle.
“We say in France that the English championship is very strong, and when I see it, you can tell they want to play a lot.
“I want to progress with the team and take the pleasure on the pitch with the other players. I will work to help the team to be the best and I hope we can win trophies.”
As well as vowing to send Northampton back to the pinnacle of English summit, Picamoles is hoping they can make more of an impact in Europe this term.
He will know plenty about two of the teams in their Champions Cup pool – Castres and Montpellier – from his time playing Top 14 rugby including coming through the ranks with the latter, and Picamoles is confident his new club have the pedigree required to go all the way in Europe.
He added: “It’s a good pool, full of strong teams, with Castres, Montpellier and Leinster.
“It’s a big pool but I’m sure we can do something because I know Castres, Montpellier and Leinster and I’m sure they will be tough games, but we have a good squad.
“We hope to progress in the Champions Cup.”
