Joe Joyce is living proof that you really can teach an old dog new tricks.
The Connacht second row has been a pro for more than a decade now. Joyce moved to the west of Ireland in 2023 after some nine years with his home-town club, Bristol.
The experienced second row, happily admits he has had his eyes opened by new Connacht head coach Stuart Lancaster over the past couple of months.
“I am 31 now, but I feel like in the meetings I am learning the game again,” said Joyce. “It’s the education side of it and the way he sees the game. It’s interesting.
“I am worrying about things I wouldn’t usually worry about! Now in team meetings, I am worrying about the back field because you can’t help but listen and be intrigued by what he’s saying”.
“The way we are trying to play and the game management side of things has gone up to another level.”
What has also struck a chord with the players is the intensity of the training sessions under former England, Leinster, and Racing 92 coach Lancaster.
“I have had a few pre-seasons, but this was the toughest one I have ever done,” Joyce explained.
“It’s gone up another level, but everything had a rugby element to it. There was no pointless running or anything like that. I definitely prefer it that way.”
Joyce has made 38 appearances for the province so far and qualifies to play for Ireland.
“There is a belief that we are going to see a better version of everyone this year” Joyce added.” That’s what we are aiming for”.
Lancaster has brought things up another level
“That comes from the training. We are training at an intensity that’s harder than a game. We are pushing more from each other, and there’s more of a belief in the way we are trying to play as well.”
Connacht made an impressive start to the BKT URC season, claiming a 26-15 bonus point victory over Benetton ahead of last weekend’s scheduled fixture against the Scarlets being postponed. The Welsh team were hit by travel trouble caused by Storm Amy.
Now they have their sights set on a trip to the Arms Park for Saturday night’s meeting with Cardiff. Who have been familiar opponents.
The two sides locked horns three times in the space of 78 days last season. Two meetings taking place in the EPCR Challenge Cup and one in the league.
They all went the way of Connacht. However, but the 6ft 5ins, 18st 7lbs Joyce is anticipating a sizeable test in the Welsh capital this weekend.
“I know we beat Cardiff three times last year, but every game was a battle. They were close games” Joyce admits.
“The Welsh are proud people. You know when you go there, it’s going to be physical, so it’s going to be tough on the weekend.”
Passionate Cardiff fans make it hostile
The man who made more than 150 appearances for Bristol is also expecting a big crowd and a lively atmosphere at the Arms Park.
“I remember watching them play Munster towards the end of last season on TV, and it was rocking” Joyce explained.
“I remember the last time we played there, I got subbed off and got a bit of abuse from a few fans as I was going up to the stand.
“Someone called me Dan Cole, someone else called me a bald something else!”
On the fitness front, Connacht are boosted by the return of Test winger Mack Hansen, who has recovered from the foot injury which he picked up on the British & Irish Lions tour of Australia.
