Alex Keay knows just how special playing at Twickenham is and the former Saracens captain is determined to lead Durham University back there for the inaugural BUCS Super Rugby final.

Having previously been split into north and south leagues, this season sees the top eight rugby-playing universities combined into one competition, the new BUCS Super Rugby.

Durham University kick things off by hosting Hartpury College on October 3 and will be hoping to make it all the way to the showpiece at Twickenham on March 26.

Keay tasted the Twickenham atmosphere during his playing days with Saracens, while Durham themselves have been to Rugby HQ three times in the last six years.

And the 56-year-old is setting his sights on continuing that love affair with Twickenham as Durham bid to make a splash in the first ever BUCS Super Rugby campaign.

“Everyone is just keen to get going, Hartpury and Durham have a bit of history about them, we’ve played in finals at Twickenham against them and also quarter-finals too, so everyone is just keen to get out there and show how good they are,” Keay said.

“Durham have been at Twickenham three times in the last six years, and trying to get back here in March is a key aim for us.

“I’ve played at Twickenham for Saracens, it’s a fantastic stadium to play in and it’s the ultimate aim to play there.

“That experience [from Saracens] does help, you know sometimes the right thing to say to take the pressure off and help them grow as players, but it’s all about letting them play the game and enjoy what they do.

“University rugby has needed something like this for some time, it’s absolutely great news for the game. We can’t wait for it and we’re really glad it’s come to fruition.”

Leading Durham this season is Buchan Richardson, a product of Scotland's age grade system, having played at under-17, under-18 and under-20 level.

But Keay insists he isn’t the only player to keep an eye on in Durham colours this season as the group test themselves against the great and the good week in week out.

“There are a few boys in there all pushing with a huge amount of potential,” he added.

“There are guys coming through too, we’ve got guys like Justin Clegg who’s also at Worcester Warriors, Buchan Richardson who was Schools captain last year, and they’re among a string of guys who we have high hopes for.

“There are going to be lots of good teams, every week is going to feel like a quarter-final, so it means we’re playing top-end rugby every week. It’s where the guys want to be, it’s part of the reason they choose the university and that’s a big deal.

“It’s difficult to see how it will pan out, and if you get off to a decent start and having a decent squad will be very important. I don’t think everybody will be able to play 14 games so that will be a challenge in itself.”

BUCS Super Rugby is a new national league, bringing together the eight best men’s university rugby teams in the country. The league is run by British Universities & Colleges Sport (BUCS) and powered by Rugby Vertical. For more info visit www.bucs.org.uk/superrugby