A talented player, who cut his teeth at Hereford Rugby Club, is making a big impact in the England men’s Under-18s training camps.
Joe, a student at Haberdashers’ Monmouth Schools, linked up with the North squad earlier this month at St George’s Park in Staffordshire.
“Joe has had feedback from the England Under-18s session on Sunday 7th March,” said Mr Paul Morris, 1st XV coach and Master in Charge of Rugby Coaching at Monmouth School for Boys.
“The England coaches have confirmed that Joe, who can also play at full-back, has been selected for the final under-18 sessions on 20th and 27th March.
“I believe there are only 38 boys left in the process from which a final England squad will be selected.
“This is a huge achievement for Joe to make such progress a year early from such a large number of very talented players.”
Joe, a former Madley Primary School pupil, played at Hereford Rugby Club from under-9 to under-16 level.
He has represented both Newport and Bristol Schoolsand is now a member of the Bristol Bears Under-18s.
Joe and fellow Monmouth School for Boys 1st XV player, Theo Mayell, who lives near Ross-on-Wye,were involved in the initial England development camp at Stafford Rugby Club.
It has been a brilliant experience for Joe and Theo, who are both 17 – and were called up for England training a year early.
Photographer Gareth Roberts caught Joe surging towards the try-line in Monmouth School for Boys’ outstanding 15-10 home win against Millfield School in 2019.
“This is a great opportunity to improve and test myself at the next level,” said Joe.
“I’m unsure yet of my future pathway after school but carrying on playing rugby is definitely part of it.”
As a forward a year young, Theo, a member of Worcester Warriors Academy, acquitted himself impressively against some bigger and older players in the initial session and was a superb ambassador for the schools.
Under normal circumstances, both boys would have played rugby extensively for the school 1st XV during the winter.
Headmaster at Monmouth School for Boys, Mr Simon Dorman, said: “We are delighted with the achievements of both Joe and Theo.
“We know that Theo learnt so much from his experience in the development squad and we now wish Joe the very best of luck in his two final sessions later this month.
“We are already looking forward to next season when Joe and Theo will be able to represent our 1st XV.”
