Universities have long been a supplier of quality English rugby players and Luke Northmore is now the latest in a long line of athletes to have competed in BUCS and gone on to play the professional game.

The 22-year-old centre has just signed for high-flying Harlequins – replicating Alex Dombrandt’s journey last year.

But those who have watched the BUCS Super Rugby Player of the Year know this route to the top is certainly one that’s merited.

The Cardiff Met student has worked hard but is also grateful for the opportunities that have come his way, creating a pathway to Premiership status that he would likely not achieved had it not been for university rugby.

“University rugby was massive for me. I didn’t start with high aspirations – I never thought I could play professionally,” he said.

“I was just there to have fun and get a degree but being at Cardiff Met changed my life.

“It allowed me to see that I have the potential to make it as a professional – and now that dream has come true.”

Northmore was part of a Cardiff Met side that lost to Leeds Beckett in the quarter-finals this year’s BUCS Super Rugby Championship presented by Yoti.

And in 2018, Northmore’s team lost to Hartpury in a thrilling BUCS Super Rugby Final, giving him the chance to play a Twickenham – a venue he may become familiar with in years to come.

Despite a lack of student silverware, the Cardiff Met star is ever-grateful to his institution for the support they gave him on his way to Quins.

He added: “When they realised I was a talent, they instilled a lot of self-belief in me as well as giving me support.

“They trained me physically, spent hours on my technical skills and I made sure to give my all to reap the full benefit.”

“BUCS has been massive - it gives these lads the exposure they deserve.

“Academies don’t tend to give their stars the limelight, but that’s different here.

“It’s a wonderful experience and you get to play at the highest level at places like this.

“Games like these give an insight on how players deal with the pressure and the big crowds - it seems to be fantastic preparation for even higher levels of rugby.”