The 28-year-old returns to England following a three-year spell in France looking to spearhead a title challenge.
He was with Orleans for two years and Chartres last term, helping both sides impress.
But after both were denied promotion due to financial irregularities, the former England Under 20s World Championship winner is delighted to return to his homeland.
He said: “I wanted to come back to England and got in touch with (Director of Rugby) Seb (Reynolds), as soon as he spoke, I knew this was a good choice.
“There’s the desire to get to The Champ and I want to be part of that.”
Darren began his career at Haywards Heath RFC aged four, before his family moved to Somerset.
And he joked how he enjoyed a stroke of good fortune before being picked up by Bath some nine years later.
“My sister got a swimming scholarship to Millfield so we moved when I was nine – I was a tag-along!”
Premiership and Champions Cup experience
Progressing through the ranks at Bath, Darren debuted in the Anglo-Welsh Cup against Leicester Tigers.
He then made a first Prem appearance versus Bristol Bears and European games across 30 for The Rec side.
These included one against Leinster at The Aviva Stadium.
Reflecting on his 11-year stint at Bath, he said: “The debut was incredible. To play at The Rec was very special, and I loved my time there.
“To play in the Champions Cup was also brilliant, I played with some amazing guys and have some stunning memories.
“Although we lost, playing at The Aviva Stadium against Leinster was sensational, playing in Toulouse also unbelievably cool.”
Darren latterly spent time on loan at Champ clubs Jersey and Richmond, where he enjoyed his time.
He continued: “I enjoyed my time in Jersey, the weather was good and it was a nice spell.
Then Richmond are a very good club and I played a lot of rugby – 20 games and a good season.”
Following his spell abroad, Atkins is relishing a two-fold role – driving the team forward and helping develop a young squad.
He revealed: “I want to bring heads-up rugby – having been in France for a few years there’s a little bit of joué – when it’s on I’ll want to go.
“But I also bring game management.
“In recent years I’ve been fly-half and I enjoy it there, but whatever the team needs, I’m happy.
“If full-back, I’ll be there and have experience at 15.
“One thing I truly enjoyed at Chartres last year was helping the youngsters progress.
“There was a bit of a language barrier but seeing them progress meant a lot.
“If I can help build this project (in my native tongue) it would mean a lot to me – I want to get the best out of everyone around me so the team can thrive.
“We’ve got some great coaches, a seriously talented group and if I can pass anything extra on, even better.”
And while hoping to mentor the younger brigade, the stand-off also has a focus on putting in some big performances.
He ended: “I cannot wait to play at Old Bath Road, I wish the season would start already!
“To play in front of the home crowd will be amazing and I cannot wait to meet the fans. I’ve seen the atmosphere and it looks class.”
