YOU would have forgiven 20-year-old Dan Robson for feeling at least a little intimidated by the arrival of New Zealand international Jimmy Cowan at Gloucester this season, writes Jamie Holt.

The talented scrum-half already had a battle on his hands with Dave Lewis for the Cherry and Whites No.9 jersey.

But having edged his close friend for a starting berth at the start of the season, 50-cap All Black and World Cup winner, Cowan, pitched up in October to aide their Aviva Premiership charge.

Robson – an England under-20 international – has no qualms though and claims his own game has come on leaps and bounds with the help of Cowan’s wise words.

Indeed, having played just 35 minutes fewer in the Aviva Premiership this term than Cowan, Robson insists he couldn’t be in a better place to learn his trade.

“I’m really happy with how things are going, I’ve been getting a bit of game time this season and learning a lot from Jimmy,” said Robson.

“I was pretty happy when he signed this summer, I’m obviously still young and got a lot of learning still to do, and to be training with someone like Jimmy who has been there and done it is pretty surreal but also great. He’s a great guy to have around the place as well.

“I tend to watch what he does and try to apply it to my game, but he also talks to me as well, it’s a bit of both.

“It’s really important for my development, the last few weeks and months have been a great learning curve.

“I’m quite happy if I’m on the bench, I try to make an impact as and when I do come on. “I’m excited by the challenge Jimmy poses, it can only help my development and that of the club as well.”

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