ENGLAND star Jason Robinson is relishing returning to the Kassam Stadium tomorrow as Sale Sharks bid to lift the European Challenge Cup.

The livewire full-back has fond memories of the ground where he helped his club lift the cup in 2002 - their first trophy in 141 years.

The Sale versus Pau match, which kicks off at 12.45pm, is part of a feast of rugby, which is is followed by Worcester against Auch in the European Shield final at 5pm.

Following a surprise and successful call-up to the British Lions in 2001, the next season saw Robinson emerge as a genuine world class player.

He capped the campaign with a nail-biting 25-22 victory over Pontypridd at the Kassam, and believes it is a fitting setting for tomorrow's clash.

Robinson said: "The Kassam Stadium proved to be a very good venue.

"It had an excellent playing surface, although the wind got up and was a nuisance at times."

He added: "We were on the back foot in the first-half of the final, but came out fighting after that.

"Our fans may have been outnumbered three to one, but they were magnificent and are set to return in even bigger numbers."

Robinson acquired the nickname Billy Whizz during his rugby league days at Wigan, but his pace is by no means Sale's only threat.

They have grown greatly in status since 2002 and finished third behind Leicester and Wasps in this season's Zurich Premiership.

This makes them favourites against Pau who came 12th out of 16 in France's top flight.

Robinson is in the British & Irish Lions' squad for the New Zealand tour, alongside fellow Sharks stars Charlie Hodgson, Mark Cueto, Andy Titterrell and Andy Sheridan.