It’s a ground which he has had little success on, but Munster’s Mike Haley is relishing a return trip to Gloucester's Kingsholm when the sides meet Friday night in the Champions Cup (kick-off 7.45pm).
The 24-year-old is closing in on 12 months at Munster after five years with Sale Sharks and the full-back has quickly become a key player in Johann van Graan’s squad.
Haley has made 13 appearances this term, all from the start, only failing to complete the full 80 minutes on four occasions.
Just four points separate Pool 2 leaders Munster and Gloucester in fourth place, and Friday night’s fixture will have a significant impact in the shake-up of the group, with Exeter and Castres squaring off on Sunday at Sandy Park.
Coming off the back of defeat away to Ulster and wins over Leinster and Connacht, Haley says the players are coming into the game in perfect conditions.
"It’s been three really tough weeks with the interpros," he told RTÉ Radio Sport. "I don’t think you can get any better preparation.
"We are looking forward to it."
As a Sale player, Haley has twice played at Kingsholm in the Premiership, with the Sharks coming a cropper on both occasions.
In 2015 a Sale side that featured former Munster players Sam Tuitupou and Peter Stringer as well as current Gloucester out-half Danny Cipriani were edged out by four points, while the following season they came out the wrong side of a 69-point thriller.
A visit to the traditional rugby venue is one to relish for the former England Saxon.
"I’ve played there a few times, it’s a fun place to go and play rugby. It’s a real stronghold for them.
"It’s an old school stand, you feel the atmosphere. That’s a great environment in which to play rugby."
"Everyone is still in the hunt so we need to go for a ruthless edge"
With things delicately poised in Pool 2, a positive result is the sole focus for the visitors.
"I know Gloucester and Exeter very well from my previous club. I know how strong they can be. Castres are Top 14 champions. It was never going to be an easy road.
"We are looking for the win. We want to top the group and get as many points as we can. Everyone is still in the hunt so we need to go for a ruthless edge."
Follow Gloucester v Munster on Friday (KO 7.45pm) via the live blog on RTÉ.ie/Sport and the News Now App, or listen live on RTÉ Radio 2fm, with commentary from Michael Corcoran and Donal Lenihan.
