Joe Joyce, the imposing new second row signing for Gloucester Rugby, has described this summer’s pre-season as the most physically demanding he has ever experienced. The 32-year-old, who stands 6ft 5in and weighs 18 and a half stones, spoke candidly after a rigorous training session at Kingsholm Stadium, unaware that his cauliflowered ears were still bleeding from the intense contact.
Having previously played for Bristol Bears and Connacht Rugby, Joyce was brought in to add grit and experience to Gloucester’s forward pack. He has certainly encountered a combative welcome from his new teammates.
“I’ve never done this much contact in a pre-season before, but it’s been good,” Joyce said. “We’re battle-hardened, that’s for sure. So yeah, I’m just looking forward to games now. Still as good as ever, but it’s definitely been one of the hardest ones.”
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He acknowledged the universal difficulty of pre-season training: “It’s never an easy one. When people say they’re looking forward to pre-season, most are probably lying because it’s tough. This has felt different for me as this is a new club and I’m back in the South West.
Joyce came through the Bristol ranks, affectionately known as ‘The King of Southmead,’ a local area in the city. After more than 100 appearances for Bristol, he spent the last three years with Connacht in the United Rugby Championship.
Reflecting on the intensity of Gloucester’s pre-season, Joyce attributed much of it to the players themselves. “To be honest, I think it’s the players. I’ve never been in a group that just wants to get at each other like this. It’s a very competitive squad. Everyone feels like they’ve got a real chance of playing.
“You don’t get that in every team. Some squads have a set team, but here, everyone feels there’s a position and game time for them. The intensity has been brought up by the lads, and I think the coaches have had to calm us down a bit.
“I’m usually pretty chilled in training, but I’ve had to go full throttle or get left behind, so it’s been good.”
Ironically, Joyce is set to make his Gloucester debut against his former club Bristol Bears at Ashton Gate on September 5, in the opening fixture of the 2026/27 season PREM Rugby Cup. He is expected to receive a warm reception from the Bears faithful, who remember his contributions at their home ground.
However, Joyce has fully embraced his move to Gloucester, opting to relocate to Cheltenham alongside his new teammates rather than returning to Bristol.
“The first day I saw my initials next to the Gloucester badge, it felt a bit strange,” he admitted. “But I’ve loved every moment. Even though it’s been a non-game period so far, moving around here, meeting the lads, and experiencing the training-it’s been different from what I’ve seen before but very intense. I feel ready to play now.”