Having played at Twickenham previously, Sandbach’s Josh Longson is itching to be back there after a visit to launch the inaugural BUCS Super Rugby competition.

Longson, 23, is the captain of Leeds Beckett’s rugby union side and is currently studying for a Masters degree in physical education, having already got his undergrad in primary education.

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.

Leeds Beckett begin their campaign on Monday, October 10, against Cardiff Metropolitan University and will be hoping to make it all the way to the showpiece at Twickenham on March 26.

And after attending a launch day at Rugby HQ last week, Longson admits he well and truly has a taste for the big stage.

“I’ve played there a few times but to be able to go there feels a bit surreal,” said the former Sandbach RUFC player.

“Because it’s so big, you don’t really hear the crowd so much, but just the experience of being somewhere like the England dressing room, getting changed where you know the likes of Martin Johnson and Jonny Wilkinson have been is amazing.

“We’ve been here two years in a row, missing out last year, and with this being my last year playing and as captain too, I’d love to go out on a high and to lift that cup.”

The new format for the competition will see games played in larger stadia and there is a possibility of the matches being broadcast on TV.

And Longson hailed the innovation as a step forward for the university game.

“I’ve been playing rugby at university for four years, so getting the chance to play at some of the best stadiums in the country and the best teams every week is something I’m really looking forward to,” said the open-side flanker.

“I didn’t start playing in the rugby aged 16, and at that age it’s difficult to get into an academy level, so a lot of the guys, including myself, are using BUCS as a pathway – you still get your degree and also a chance to get in the professional game.

“The RFU already have a structure in place, so they know what is needed for BUCS to benefit and go pro, which is everyone’s aim.

“It’s our dream to go professional, and the BUCS Super League is putting us in the shop window more than anything.”

Longson is used to playing against the three other northern sides – Loughborough University, Northumbria University and Durham University – but he will now be playing against Cardiff Met, Hartpury College and Exeter University on a regular basis.

“We’ve got northern rivals, but Durham and Hartpury are the two fixtures we’re looking out for. Hartpury has always been a bit of a grudge match for us, and Durham are a team we’ve played year in year out, so we know quite a lot about them and they’re always an interesting clash.

“Having the support of the uni makes everything so much easier, playing on our home ground we can get a few hundred to come and watch, and they really help when it comes to the big games.

“With the BUCS Super League this year, we’ll be playing big games every week so they will be a huge help for us.”

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