The 23-year-old full back’s team will face Leicester Tigers in the Gallagher Premiership play-off semi-final on Saturday (07.06.25), their third top four finish in as many seasons and despite previous disappointments, he thinks they’ve got a better chance of victory this time around.

He told The Times Sport: “It’s pretty special for us young boys, we’ve been on a bit of a journey really.

“Me, Tom Roebuck, Arron Reed, Gus Warr, Raffi Quirke, most of us grew up in academy houses together. We’ve spent a lot of time together, we’ve had a fair few beers together, we’ve shared a lot of wins and losses.

“But this season we’ve really grown, we’re definitely a better side, especially in our attacking game over the back end of the season.”

Joe is proud of the way he and his teammates “push each other on” with support and encouragement.

He said: “We’re all just pushing each other on. The more we do that, the better we’ll perform as a team and the more opportunities we’ll give ourselves.”

Joe toured Japan and New Zealand last year but didn’t get to play so will be hoping to make his England debut in Argentina or the US after being called up to Steve Borthwick’s training squad.

And this weekend’s match will see him line up against Freddie Steward, one of his rivals for the England team.

He said: “I get on really well with Fred, he’s a great player.

“It’s always good competing with him, we’ve had some great games in the past.”