The 20-year-old Loughborough University student is on a placement year in Reading as he continues a degree in Aeronautical Engineering, and admitted he is loving life at Old Bath Road.

He said: “I’ve really enjoyed pre-season so far, everyone’s been so welcoming, I feel like I’ve fitted in because of that and I’ve already learnt so much – with the way the squad is I think I’ve got better in the past six weeks.

“In the first week, everyone was just so open and helped me slot in – it honestly felt like I’d been there a month on the first day!”

Having started his rugby career as a Mini at Old Albanians, Joe was picked up by the Saracens Academy as an Under 15 in 2018, his progress only curtailed when Covid struck and saw the sport suspended.

However, he was able to help Berkhamsted School become Daily Mail Trophy champions upon its resumption in 2021/22, also featuring for the invitational Lambs side.

A Titans debut came back in March as Joe took on the Royal Air Force, and he said it was a key reason in looking to return before revealing what he looks to bring to the party.

Joe explained: “I had one training session before the RAF game, and even then, it felt like I’d known the guys for quite a while.

“With the lights, the stand, in the warm-up I could feel the atmosphere growing and it was special, really fun.

“Defence is a big part of my game – playing in the centres that’s key – but also work rate, I like to get round the park as much as possible.”

With the likes of Drew Humberstone, Rowan Grundy, Ellis Jones, Axel Kalling-Smith and Stevie Bryant all on hand to offer guidance to the youngster, Joe admitted the chance to learn from his new peers was another huge attraction when signing on.

He continued: “I’ve already been chatting to Ellis about his running lines because they’re so good, and he’s been so helpful giving me little pointers.

“This is such a big opportunity and I’m so grateful to (DoR) Seb (Reynolds) and the other coaches for letting me get involved.”

With pre-season games at Aberavon (Saturday, August 17) and Chinnor (Monday 26) on the cards, Joe is looking forward to working as hard as possible with hopes of eventually fulfilling his dream of a first-team start.

He ended: “The chance to play in front of the Ramily is a huge target. I’ve seen how great the support is on Instagram, the highlights, and if I get that opportunity, it excites me so much to possibly play in front of the biggest crowd I ever would have.”

*Welcome to the club Joe, and we can’t wait to see you in action!