Up next in our Bristol Born and Bred series is Bristol Bears lock forward Joe Joyce, as reporter Neil Maggs took a visit to the Bears training ground at Clifton Rugby club to speak to him.
The impressive ball carrying and physically powerful player talks about growing up in Southmead, a tough council estate in the north of the city. And how he has earnt the nickname ‘The King of Southmead.’
A product of the Bristol Bears academy, 25-year-old Joyce charts his journey into the game, from St Bedes Catholic school in Lawrence Weston, to grassroots club St Marys Old Boys Rugby Club to joining Bristol as a youth.
He reveals how he always thought he was a better footballer, until his dad took him to one side as a young teenager and encouraged him into focusing on rugby.
The dilemma of Joyce having played for both England and Ireland at schoolboy and club international sides, and how when push comes to shove he feels more connected to his Irish roots, having family in Galway on the west coast.
Joyce’s pride of representing his home city, comes shining through. He explores the transition from the Memorial stadium to Ashton Gate, one which would see him play on the pitch of the football team he has supported all his life – Bristol City. The team that he still goes to watch with his friends whenever he can.
It hasn’t been all plain sailing for the lock forward, and there were times 18 months ago where he was struggling to claim a regular start. But it was in the season of 2018, that his proudest moment to date would arrive, claiming the Players Player of the Year award. And today he is one of the most important and central members of the side.
Bristol Born and Bred - Racing star Dino Zamparelli charts his rise in the sport
Excited about the future of the club under coach Pat Lamb, with a new training ground imminent, and continued investment from Steve Landsdown he feels there is no reason why the Bears cannot in time reach the top of the game.
If Saracens and Exeter can build something sustainable, there is no reason why Bristol Bears cannot.
A real lively and funny man, the interview with Joyce creates the impression of an authentic local voice who cares deeply about his city. Sit and back watch a fascinating insight into his life.
Watch the video at the top of the page.
