PHIL Muspratt marked his return to the international circuit with a trio of gold medals.

The Salisbury Stingrays swimmer joined hundred of competitors from across the world in the French European Masters Games - his first mainstream event in more than a year.

The three day meet in Nice's Jean Bouin pool was a test for Muspratt after a dearth of swimming action.

Over the first two days Muspratt clinched gold in the 50m freestyle, silver in the 100m backstroke, which is a first for him at an international meet, and fourth in the 200m freestyle.

But Muspratt saved his best performance to last, avenging the 100m backstroke defeat to Frenchman Rudy Bertrand with gold in the 50m category. He bagged another top prize in the 100m freestyle.

"I'm delighted with how this meet went overall," Muspratt reflected.

"My times weren't anything to write home about but they were an improvement on my last races, which is what it's all about for me at the moment, progression.

"I will regain my times and speed, so with each swim all I am focusing on is progression and improvement in my performance and times."