Will Joseph (rugby union, born 2002)

Will Joseph
Birth nameWilliam Joseph
Date of birth (2002-07-15) 15 July 2002 (age 22)
Place of birthDerby, England
Height1.83 m (6 ft 0 in)
Weight93 kg (14 st 9 lb; 205 lb)
SchoolMillfield
Notable relative(s)Jonathan Joseph
Rugby union career
Position(s) Centre
Current team Harlequins
Senior career
Years Team Apps (Points)
2021–2023
2023–		 London Irish
Harlequins		 30
9		 (25)
(25)
Correct as of 22 December 2023
International career
Years Team Apps (Points)
2019 England U18 3 (5)
2022 England U20 2 (0)
2022– England 1 (0)
Correct as of 22 December 2023

William Joseph (born 15 July 2002)[1] is an English professional rugby union player who plays as a centre for Premiership Rugby club Harlequins. He made his international debut for England in July 2022.

He is the younger brother of England international and Biarritz player Jonathan Joseph.[2]

Career

Joseph was educated at Millfield.[3] At the age of thirteen he joined the academy of London Irish and made his club debut in 2021.[2] He scored a try in the semi-final of the 2021–22 Premiership Rugby Cup against Leicester Tigers and then started in the final as they finished runners up to Worcester Warriors.[2][4]

Joseph played for the England under-18 team.[2] He represented the England under-20 team during the 2022 Six Nations Under 20s Championship.[5]

In May 2022 Joseph received his first call-up to the senior England squad by coach Eddie Jones for their tour of Australia.[6] On 9 July 2022 he made his senior debut for England as a late substitute during their second test victory at Lang Park.[7] He was an unused substitute for the final game as they beat Australia at Sydney Cricket Ground to win the series.[8]

In May 2023, Joseph initially made Steve Borthwick's 38 man World Cup training squad ahead of the 2023 Rugby World Cup to be contested in France. He was ultimately cut from the squad the following month, alongside Beno Obano as Borthwick shrunk his squad to 36 players.[9]

In June 2023, following the collapse of his domestic club London Irish, Joseph signed for Harlequins.[10] He made his debut in the Premiership Cup against Gloucester Rugby scoring a try in the 39th minute.[11]

References

  1. ^ "London Irish player page". London Irish. Retrieved 12 July 2022.
  2. ^ a b c d "Will Joseph: Back signs long-term London Irish deal". BBC Sport. 9 June 2022. Retrieved 21 July 2022.
  3. ^ Rowan, Kate (19 May 2022). "Will Joseph: the Millfield choirboy who became English rugby's bright young thing". The Daily Telegraph. Retrieved 21 July 2022.
  4. ^ Peddy, Chris (17 May 2022). "London Irish 25-25 Worcester Warriors: Worcester win Premiership Rugby Cup with most tries after extra time". BBC Sport. Retrieved 21 July 2022.
  5. ^ O'Sullivan, John (12 March 2022). "Ireland now one step from Under-20 Grand Slam after memorable win over England". The Irish Times. Retrieved 21 July 2022.
  6. ^ "Henry Arundell: England call London Irish flier into Australia tour training squad". BBC Sport. 17 May 2022. Retrieved 21 July 2022.
  7. ^ Stelling, Robbie (14 July 2022). "Will Joseph makes England debut in Australia win". Newbury Today. Retrieved 21 July 2022.
  8. ^ Henson, Mike (16 July 2022). "Australia 17-21 England: Tourists seal series win over Australia". BBC Sport. Retrieved 21 July 2022.
  9. ^ "England Rugby World Cup training squad: Beno Obano, Will Joseph released | Billy Vunipola has minor knee surgery". Sky Sports. Sky. Retrieved 7 November 2023.
  10. ^ "Will Joseph". Harlequins. Harlequins. Retrieved 7 November 2023.
  11. ^ "Gloucester Rugby vs Harlequins Premiership Rugby Cup". Harlequins. Harlequins. Retrieved 7 November 2023.