JAMAL Ford-Robinson has said he “might return” to the Cornish Pirates one day after agreeing a deal away from the Mennaye.

The 21-year-old prop forward will be joining fellow Greene King IPA Championship side Bristol later this season once the Pirates are guaranteed of surviving relegation.

He will then remain at Ashton Gate until the end of 2015/16, which could be a season spent in the Aviva Premiership should the side secure promotion in May.

Looking ahead to the move, Cornishman Ford-Robinson said he was sad to be leaving but knew it was an opportunity “too good to turn down”.

However, he has not cancelled out a future return to the Mennaye.

Ford-Robinson said: “I’ve always been a Pirates fan and with the amount they have done for me down here, it has been a really good time.

“But it is part of the game and you have to progress, but I am sure it will not be the last time I wear the Pirates shirt and I’d love to come back some day.”

Among the team-mates who Ford-Robinson will be joining up with at Bristol include Ryan Jones and Dwayne Peel who have both been part of Wales sides who completed the Grand Slam at the Six Nations.

The team’s director of rugby is former England and Scotland head coach Andy Robinson and other international stars in their ranks include Samoa’s David Lemi, Argentinean prop Gaston Cortes and Italy’s Tomasso Benvenuti.

Ford-Robinson admitted the interest from Bristol was flattering but he is only thinking about playing for the Pirates for now.

“When I first heard about the offer from Bristol, it was a bit of a shock,” he said.

“It is an opportunity too good to turn down as they are a club going places and with a system in place which makes them pretty secure.

“But my main focus is with the Pirates at the moment.

“I’ve been keeping my head to the ground and trying my best every time I come out and get recognition and I will keep doing that.”