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."
