On the eve of a new era, trepidation, anticipation and excitement are just three superlatives that can be used to describe the mood at Ipswich Rugby Club.

Lee Parry’s men step into uncharted territory on Saturday when they travel to Letchworth for their first game in years at London 1 North level, four months on from the end of their glorious London 2 title-winning campaign.

Ipswich have an illustrious past but want to write new chapters and have aspirations higher than mere survival this season.

“We are looking forward to the challenge and it’s been a long time coming, since promotion in May,” said vice-chairman Dick Berresford.

“London 1 is going to be an unknown quantity but having spoken to people who have seen games at that level, they are expecting us to compete and be a good addition to the league.

“Is promotion a realistic ambition? Hand on heart, probably not. Will we be serious contenders in every game we play and not be regarded as easy meat? We will certainly give it a go.

“We are one step away from the highest level of rugby Ipswich has ever had, we are the fourth oldest club in the world, and these are exciting times.

“We need to galvanise ourselves to play at this next step and we go into the season having just scored 1,000 points and finished champions with 100 league points.

“We are a promoted side but I imagine Letchworth may be taking a very deep breath and be thinking ‘these boys know what they are doing’.”

Meanwhile, it has been confirmed that admission to Ipswich’s home games will be £5 per car this season.