Scotland lock Richie Gray said on Saturday he had developed “huge amounts” during his seven years in the Top 14 ahead of facing France in the Six Nations this weekend.
Gray, 33, spent three years at Castres before joining rivals Toulouse for four seasons where he won the century-old Bouclier de Brennus in 2019.
Scotland are unbeaten in this year’s championship after winning against Wales and beating England on the opening weekend, their first start in the Six Nations since 2017.
“I learned a lot. I learned fast in France. The biggest change for me is ahead,” Gray told reporters.
“In the Top 14 you will be tested up front. In scrums, mauls and line-outs.
“I have a lot of development in that area and because of my time playing here,” he said.
At Toulouse, now 21 French champions, Gray appeared alongside French midfielders Antoine Dupont and Romain Ntamack.
“He’s amazing, a great rugby player,” Gray said.
“Now we have seen him grow in his abilities and also as a leader.
“What they’re doing is amazing,” he said.
Gray’s Test teammate Finn Russell enjoyed a spell in France himself and will leave Racing 92 in June after five seasons in the wealthy western suburbs of Paris.
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Russell, 30, has made three try assists so far this season in two impressive performances.
“He’s amazing. He’s a very laid-back character, but what I noticed was how hard he drove the attack and his attention to detail,” Gray said.
“The things he’s been able to do, how he’s been able to open up the defense, I think he’s grown there and taken on a role as a leader,” he said.
An unsung hero
Alongside Gray in the lock at the Stade de France will be Edinburgh’s Grant Gilchrist, who will be making his 62nd international appearance.
“He is an unsung hero. You can talk about his leadership skills – he is the vice-captain and he has been talking all week in training,” said the 2.05-meter Gray.
“He’s a really good line-out caller, The fact our line-outs work.
“Going around his park was incredible. Basically, the nuts and bolts of the game, like anybody,” he said.
Scotland recorded victories in the opening two matches of the tournament for the first time in Six nationfinding consistency that has been lacking in recent years.
Scotland have won the Grand Slam three times in their history, all in the Five Nations and most recently in 1990.
But in the third round of the game, they and the world number one team Ireland are the only teams still in contention to do it this year.
“I think we’ve learned from the past,” Gray said.
“You can go up and down – win one week and be a bit flat the next week and you don’t get results.
“I know we say it every year, but we have a talented group of players and we just want to realize our potential.
“The biggest frustration tomorrow will be not playing to our potential,” he added.