Lock George Robson might have been an unemployed rugby player next season had French side Oyannax not come calling and the long serving Quin is relieved they did.

The 29-year-old calls time on a 13-year career at the Stoop at the end of this season and will join New Zealand World Cup winning scrum half Piri Weepu at French Top 14 side Oyonnax in the summer.

Robson is an unconventional character and may have had Edith Piaf’s hit ‘Non, je ne regrette rien’ on his mind when he told director of rugby Conor O’Shea he wanted out year.

The academy graduate, who has racked up more than 150 appearances for the club since his senior debut in 2006, played an integral role in the club’s Premiership winning campaign.

He is the latest of a number of players who have left the club since its finest hour in May 2012 and is happy to be leaving on his own terms – even if it may have been his greatest mistake.

“I took a risk when I told Conor what I was thinking of doing,“ he said.

“I did not have a club lined up and I knew there was a chance I might not have a job next season, if something didn’t come about.

“I wanted a change and wanted to experience a different type of rugby, so I wanted to be open and honest from the start.

“I didn’t want to play for another Premiership club. I wanted to challenge myself in a different way.

“I’m 29-years-old and still playing good rugby, so I’m not going to get another shot. I didn’t want to look back in 10 or 15 years time and wonder what might have been.

“Fortunately, Oyonnax came along and it was an opportunity me and my wife could not turn down.”

Quins have enjoyed a good record on French soil in recent seasons, with their last trip to Castres garnering a 47-19 triumph in January as they exited the competition.

And it is that taste of continental life that has attracted Robson, whose mum conveniently teaches French, abroad – even if it might gives him a sore head..

“I’ve always loved playing out there. Quins have a good record,” he added.

“When we last played in Castres the referee needed a police escort off the pitch the crowd because he nearly got chased down and beaten.

“I’m not saying I’d like to see that in the Premiership, but it is a totally different partisan experience. It might not work out, but I’ll give it everything.

“Oyonnax is very family oriented and you have a close knit community all behind you.

“The president told me when you win the bread tastes nice, but when you lose it hurts you when it hits you on the back of the head. So that is a different pressure.”

Quins top six hopes suffered a blow with a 17-13 defeat at Northampton Saints last Friday.

They are ninth in the table and host 10th place London irish tomorrow.