Joe took a massive step in his career last Friday night when he made his England Under-20 debut against Wales at Kingsholm. Not only was the game a success on the score board – England won 28-15 – but he spent the entire 80 minutes on the field as well.

It was around two years ago that Joe last pulled on an England shirt. But he suffered a major set back with an injury that ruled him out of the game for 13 months.

Supported by the Chris Kokta Memorial Trust Joe made a successful comeback into the Saints’ Under-19s last season and became a full-time member of the Senior Academy this year. So far he has made seven first team appearances but playing international rugby was still a step up.

“It’s such a fast game playing for England at this level when everyone’s trying to keep the ball on the field,” he said. “It’s maybe not as physical as some of the games I’ve played in but my lungs were hurting a bit.

“There seemed to be plenty of lineouts too but for a side that was playing together for the first time it went pretty well.”

Many column inches and minutes of airtime have been given over to England’s rugby future in recent weeks. Plenty of this has been positive and Joe thinks that it is well judged.

“My impression is that this is a very good England side that wants to do well this year,” he says. “There are lots of talented players and there’s also lots of experience of people who’ve come through the age group sides and those who’ve been in the Premiership this season.”

Of his own experience at the Saints, Joe says being involved in the first team squad this season, as all the Senior Academy players are, has helped him no end.

“There are four hookers at Northampton – Dylan Hartley, Paul Shields from Ireland, Dave Ward and me – and having that quality competition makes you perform. I’ve been able to get on the field and seeing All Blacks like Carlos Spencer and Bruce Reihana alongside you calling the shots has been fantastic.”

England Under-20 play away against Italy on Friday evening, then away to France (Feb 22nd) and Scotland (Mar 7th) before returning to Kingsholm to face Ireland on March 14th.