The rags to riches story of Gareth Chapman continues on Sunday when he comes up against former England captain and British Lion Jason Robinson.

Less than two months ago he was playing on the wing for Newport in the Welsh Premier Division. Then came the start of an upward spiral which dramatically changed the course of his life - and it's still going on.

First came a call-up for the Wales Sevens squad for two International Board tournaments, one in Dubai and the other in South Africa.

Halfway through, when he was in Johannesburg, came a call from the Newport Gwent Dragons management to fly home to cover for the stricken Gareth Wyatt who had dislocated an elbow, putting him out for two months.

His first start of the season, after one full appearance last year, followed within days when he played in the Heineken Cup-tie against Munster, lining up against Irish international Anthony Horgan and scoring a try.

He also played in the return in front of a capacity 13,000 Thomond Park crowd, then against Llanelli Scarlets before an undreamt of appearance against a certain Jonah Lomu and another full house in the Christmas fixture against Cardiff Blues.

Next up was Wales ace Shane Williams of the Ospreys when he scored his second try and then it was Connacht when his third arrived.

Now, after Jonah Lomu and Shane Williams, comes Jason Robinson and the return Heineken Cup-tie at Sale on Sunday. Needless to say, Chapman is still pinching himself.

"I still can't believe it all. I wouldn't have dreamed of this a few weeks ago, playing against internationals of this calibre in front of packed houses," said Chapman, a 24-year-old from Henllys and a student teacher at Llantarnam Comprehensive School.

"To play against Jonah Lomu, Shane Williams and now Jason Robinson is massive. Jason is an explosive player, he's done everything, captaining England and playing for the British Lions."

Chapman can't even train regularly with the Dragons now that he's back with the day job of attempting to become a full-time teacher, while also admitting to a fair bit of ribbing from some of his students.

"Some of the kids are season ticket holders, and they've been cheering me instead of jeering me," he smiled. "I hear a few 'Mr Chapmans' from them and questions like 'How big is Jonah Lomu?' "They're amazed their teacher is playing against Jonah Lomu and Shane Williams. It was an unbelievable experience playing against Jonah, a once-in-a-life-time opportunity, he's all about power and Shane is one of the best attacking players in the world.

"I can't make all the training sessions now, I've just got to try to juggle both things, but Stuart Harrison, the head of department (the former Pontypool lock and Glamorgan pace bowler) is very understanding about it all."

Surely Chapman has been affacted by nerves after his huge leap into the unknown? "I was unbelievably nervous before my first game against Munster, but now I'm growing in confidence," he said. "I'm not used to playing in front of such big crowds and with and against such huge international players."

But Chapman is already being praised by Dragons coach Paul Turner. Lomu has gone, Shane Williams has gone. Next stop Jason Robinson.