BY BEN JAYCOCK
Having had a surprise call up to the U20s World Championship this summer, Exeter lock Joe Bailey is hoping for a busy year ahead for club, country and university.
The 19-year-old is a sports science student at BUCS Super Rugby champions Exeter University and has been playing a major role in the undefeated table toppers’ successful season so far.
“It’s great to get consistent minutes every week,” said Bailey. “I’m playing with a lot of my closest mates which makes it even more special.”
Bailey is in the second year of his senior academy contract and due to the overhaul of experienced players leaving Sandy Park, players like himself have benefitted from increased opportunities. The 6ft 6in, 17st 4lbs forward made his debut against Bristol Bears last season and has gone on to make five Premiership Cup appearances across the last two seasons.
He said: “My first year was great, I was in the Premiership Cup squad and played quite a few games last year and loved that. I’m in my second year in the senior academy now and I’m loving it. We’ve got good opportunities to break into the first team with such a young squad keeping us hopeful and motivated to keep pushing on. We’ve seen many boys in the uni pathway that are playing for the first team now.”
Bailey was a standout player in the U18s but received a surprise late call up to Mark Mapletoft‘s U20s squad in South Africa, while in a breakfast queue at Exeter.
“I’ve loved my time in the England age grade setup so far,” said Bailey. “The U18s was class and a good new experience playing in France. In the summer it was a shock getting called out late to the U20s World Cup in South Africa. I was in the breakfast queue at Chiefs and the coaches told me they wanted me to fly out that day. I packed my bags and was straight on the train to Heathrow.
“It was amazing to be out there and you pick up a lot of things from just mingling with a lot of the lads.”
Bailey is hoping for a busy year ahead as a standout player in the U20s group, while also continuing to break through at Chiefs. He added: “I’d like to play a good role in the U20s by playing in as many Six Nations games as I can and stand out in those hopefully. I’d like to grab a few more opportunities with the Chiefs, play a couple games and who knows what will happen from there.
“My main points of selection is my set piece but my defence is something I want to push on with and my breakdown is a focus.”
Bailey progressed through the age groups, beginning aged seven at Newton Abbot Rugby Club, and has always idolised Saracens and England star Maro Itoje.
“I remember Itoje making his debut for England as that was the first time I saw him play,” said Bailey. “I’ve loved ever since how he plays. Whether that’s off the ball, his work rate defensively or how he always produces turnovers as he finds little ways to get the ball. Like the rest of the Saracens players, he likes to celebrate the small wins. He’s a bit of a rugby nause and I like it.”
