Joe Browning

A back-three player throughout the age-groups, Joe Browning played his early rugby with Stoke RFC and Newcastle-under-Lyme School.

Rugby wasn’t always his first choice, however, as he made academy level as a young footballer. “I was released so I wanted to try something new,” he says. “Luckily, it’s working out so far.”

Stoke RFC coach Richard Jones guided Joe through the age-groups as he made a big enough impression to earn a place in the Tigers programme.

“He was always pushing and encouraging me in the right direction,” Joe says. “We had a good team and won the County Cup quite a few times."

Joe identifies England back Anthony Watson and Australia’s Israel Folau as his rugby inspirations.

Getting to know you

If you could meet a famous person, dead or alive, who would it be?

The rapper 'Biggie Smalls', it would be good to chat with him.

What three things would you want if you were stuck in a desert island?

A boat, a flare and Bear Grylls.

What is your favourite song to train to?

'Goosebumps', it’s by rapper Travis Scott.