Lion relishes Welsh return

Two-tour Lion Gethin Jenkins is determined to come back to haunt Cardiff Blues on Sunday. [more]

Lion relishes Welsh return

Two-tour Lion Gethin Jenkins is determined to come back to haunt Cardiff Blues on Sunday.

Jenkins, who joined Toulon in the summer, returns to the Arms Park to face the Blues in Round Two of the Heineken Cup.

The Welsh Triple Grand Slam winner has failed to secure a starting spot since switching to France and has played second fiddle to Andrew Sheridan.

But Jenkins knows the European clash will provide the perfect stage to impress ahead of the autumn internationals, with Rob Howley set to name his squad on Monday.

"It's been a big change in terms of the lifestyle and culture and the rugby is completely different," said Jenkins.

"I've enjoyed it, although I haven't played as many games as I'd have liked, but I'm getting used to the surroundings.

"In France I've been on the bench a few times so there are positives in that you get a certain amount of rest.

"I'm raring to go now and with the autumn internationals with Wales coming up I'm really looking forward to it."

Jenkins is part of a star-studded squad at Stade Felix Mayol, which includes the likes of Jonny Wilkinson, Matt Giteau, Carl Heyman and Bakkies Botha.

And despite winning 95-caps, including five Test appearances for the Lions, Jenkins insists he is learning more and more from his stellar teammates.

"I'm just getting used to the different environment at the moment,” added Jenkins.

“With some of those great players you learn something off them every day and, for me, it's just a case of getting more games under my belt and getting used to the style of rugby out in France.”

Toulon will be determined to gain revenge for their Amlin Challenge Cup final defeat to the Blues three seasons ago, in which Jenkins starred.

And the Blues are well aware of the challenge they face against Jenkins and company.

“Gethin’s a top player and we’re all aware of the attributes he has but he is just one of an array of talents they have,” said director of rugby Phil Davies.

“They also have Heyman and Sheridan, Toulon have plenty of options in the front-row alone. It’s a great chance for us to play against the best.”

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