He said: "It is a pleasure to be here after six years at Toulouse. I wanted a new experience. and I am very happy to be here, but also a little nervous. I have been thinking about it every day and every night!"

However, Gerard expressed slight exasperation at starting 70 per cent of games for Toulouse last season, including one against Northampton at Franklin's Gardens, but being selected on the bench for the games at the business end of the season.

"I became a substitute and that was difficult when I had played every game up until then. I started the first three games this season and then started as a replacement."

When asked whether he would like to start this weekend for Saints against fellow pool D toppers Newport-Gwent Dragons, he cheekily replied: "Perhaps!"

He added: "I want to go straight into action, but I think it is perhaps a good idea to start as a substitute as the calls will be difficult because of the language. In a few weeks time, it will be better. I don't know if Saturday will be too early, but I do know I want to play!"

Gerard gained two caps for France during his time with Toulouse and his former club won two Heineken Cup competitions in 2003 and 2005 as well as the French championship in 2001.

At 6ft 6ins tall, the 27-year-old joins creates a trio of 6ft 6inchers along with Selborne Boome and Damien Browne, and at 18st 1lb, he is the second heaviest man in the squad behind Browne, which will be useful against the Dragons' pack.

He added: "This is a big chance for me. I want to give the team a ticket to the Heineken Cup and a good place in the English Premiership.. I am just so excited."