EXCITEMENT is building as two Gloucestershire rugby clubs prepare for a big day at Twickenham on Sunday.
Newent Rugby Club will return to the iconic home of English rugby for the second year running after reaching the final of the Senior Vase against Yarnbury.
Meanwhile, Longlevens Rugby Club will play in the Junior Vase final against Rugby Lions.
Coach Richard Rudge said: "We are very excited, it is going to be an amazing day.
"We have had so much support from the community and Newent Rugby Club, with many of their fans coming early to watch our game."
Newent won the Junior Vase last year. Coach Andy Addis said: "It is a once-in-a-lifetime experience and we have managed to do it twice. We are very, very lucky.
"But, at the end of the day, it comes down to the hard work by players on the pitch and the coaching staff and support staff off the pitch.
"It is a massive team effort by everybody involved.
"The boys are positive and are mad keen to go out and play at Twickenham. It is a dream come true for them and for me."
Hundreds of fans will travel to watch the teams. Buses have been organised by the clubs, pubs and other organisations in the area.
Dozens of businesses in Newent have created window displays to support the team and children have been proudly wearing T-shirts backing the Green Army.
Julia Gooch, of Gooch Sports, said: "When they came back from the Junior Vase last year the buzz in the town was phenomenal.
"Now, people are on a high again. Who would have expected this to happen for a second time? Everybody is talking about the club and how well the lads are doing.
"It is a real feel-good factor for the town and the community. We are all behind the club."
It has been a great season for Newent, who were promoted from the Gloucester Premier to the Western Counties North in April.
Andy said: "We have done remarkably well to go up a league and be champions, let alone get this far in a national competition.
"I have said to the boys that we just have to go out and give it our all.
"It is going to be a fantastic day whatever the outcome."
