Thomas Lombard has vowed to leave friendship on the sidelines when Worcester Warriors jet over to France for the second leg of their European adventure.
Lombard, who had spent his entire career in France before moving to Sixways in the summer, returns to his homeland to face Brive in the European Challenge Cup on Saturday.
And the versatile 29-year-old admits that, if Worcester can pull off a huge upset and dump the 1997 Heineken Cup winners out at the first hurdle, he will be less than popular with many of his close friends.
"I have many friends in Brive - the full-back was even the best man at my wedding - but that will not make any difference to me because I am a Worcester player and want them to win," said the centre.
"I doubt my friends will do me any favours even though I am back on home soil. They will want to do the best for Brive and if anything will target me and want to get one over me.
"On the pitch we will be after each other, but afterwards we will have a drink and laugh about it.
"Going back to France I may also get the chance to see my family. My wife and young daughter are still in France and I miss them, but Birmingham Airport is not far away so I can always pop home and see them when I get chance.
"My wife has had to stay in Paris as she runs a shop, but they plan to join me in Worcester very soon."
Lombard is relishing his new life in the Premiership with Worcester and admits he hopes his dream move to England could also help kick-start his international career.
As a lightning-quick wing he made 12 appearances for Les Bleus between 1998 and 2001, scoring one international try, but has since dropped down the pecking order.
However, after quitting Stade Fran-cais and his Paris home for a two-year stay at Sixways, the French flier is out to impress.
"I still want to play for France and have hope. When I no longer feel like that I will finish," said Lombard.
