Former Ipswich schoolboy Lewis Ludlam is targeting game time in the Aviva Premiership, having made his senior Northampton Saints bow in the Anglo-Welsh Cup.

The 20-year-old has played in the Saints’ last two games in the competition and contributed to victories at Newcastle Falcons (24-16) on his debut and at home to Gloucester Rugby (19-13), at the weekend.

The ex-St Joseph’s College pupil – who was joined by substitute and fellow debutant, Ipswich-born Alex Moon, against Newcastle, said: “I thought it went fantastically well.

“I was happy with my performance and the Anglo-Welsh Cup is a great competition to get game time and show what you are about. I think I showed the coaches a bit of what I could do.

“I wasn’t particularly nervous. I think you only get nervous if you have not prepared properly.”

Saints are currently eighth in the table after seven league games, but are missing several players who are on Autumn international duty with their countries.

Ludlam added: “You are always aspiring for more and the international players are away at the moment so there should be more opportunities open in the Premiership too.”

Ludlam played at number eight on his debut against the Falcons, while Moon, who did not play against Gloucester, came on for the last four minutes.

“There are a couple of things that I need to work on, but generally, everything has been quite positive,” revealed Ludlam.

“I have been a little bit unfortunate over the past couple of years with a few injuries, but I am back on track now and I am where I want to be.

“That said, I am pushing myself all the time and the Anglo-Welsh Cup is great for myself, Alex and all the young players at the club.”