Joe
Beardshaw Joe is a solidly reliable and experienced second-rower who
joined the Cornish Pirates in 2005, having previously played for London Wasps
and Glasgow Warriors, appearing in Heineken Cup games for both. Having attended
Notre Dame School, Norwich, from where he played for England Schools 16 Group
alongside World Cup winners Joe Worsley and Josh Lewsey, Joe then moved to Gresham
School, Holt, for a couple of years. From there he had an early link with the
Wasps club, then taking a year off to travel to New Zealand and play for a team
in New Plymouth and also represent Taranaki U23s. On his return Joe went
to Loughborough University, his time there rewarded with a Bachelor of Science
degree in Ergonomics (no surprise for a 'workshorse' second-row forward!), and
he also played for Wasps, appearing both in the Premiership and Heineken Cup.
During his early years at Wasps he again represented England, this time
at U21s level, the side at the time including Jonny Wilkinson and Iain Balshaw
in its line-up. Departing the now called London Wasps , Joe played for Glasgow
Warriors (2003-05) before being welcomed on board here in the far south-west.
Tall and angular, he has settled in well since his arrival, and has been all but
an ever-present in the team, amassing over 50 games for the club in his first
two seasons in the Duchy . His partnership with Heino Senekal saw the engine
room work smoothly in 2006-07, their powerful input performed in a non fussy but
direct way. Rugby football is very much in Joe's blood, with father Andrew
and uncle Nick both having served North Walsham as players and then senior officers.
Having being brought up in Norfolk, Joe also loves the outdoor life, including
participation in pursuits such as shooting and sailing. A married man, he
lives with his wife, Joanna, who works in business management for 'Artavia', the
couple living in the hamlet of West Langarth, near Truro. Always appreciating
the support of our crowd, Joe has commented
"Before coming down
to Cornwall I was told about the support for rugby in the far south-west, it certainly
a big encouragement to you as a player. With games we have with the likes of Exeter
and Plymouth Albion - I don't think there is a rivalry like that in the Premiership
- it just adds to the whole experience. | 
