On a warm, late summer’s day on the outskirts of Bristol there are signs only of perspiration, not desperation. The distinctive close-cropped head of Andy Robinson can be seen in a huddle with his coaches as another pre-season session draws to a close, the players heading for respite indoors ahead of the formal Aviva Premiership squad photograph.

Another type of Bristol picture hangs in Robinson’s office, that of the 1983 John Player Cup-winning side. A year later, Bath caused a great upset in toppling their West Country neighbours, 10-9, in that season’s knockout final. And that was more or less that for Bristol, one of the foremost rugby powers in the land, a provider of stirring talent to the England ranks, a Mike Rafter or a Richard Harding or Alan Morley. Bristol waned and Bath, the country cousins to the big-hitters from the city, grew bigger and stronger and more successful.

That is the historical context against which Robinson’s side take their place among the Premiership elite for the first time in seven years.