'I am learning the game again': Connacht veteran gripped by Stuart Lancaster

Joe Joyce is living proof that you really can teach an old dog new tricks.

The Connacht Rugby second row has been a pro for more than a decade now, having moved to the west of Ireland in 2023 after some nine years with his home-town club, Bristol.

You could forgive him for thinking he had heard and seen it all before – but far from it.

Instead, he 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,” he said.

“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,” said Joyce.

“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.”

The Irish-qualified lock, who has made 38 appearances for the province so far, added:

“There is a belief that we are going to see a better version of everyone this year. That’s what we are aiming for.

“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 Rugby ahead of last weekend’s scheduled fixture against the Scarlets being postponed after 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 Rugby, who have been familiar opponents of late.

The two sides locked horns three times in the space of 78 days last season, with two meetings in the EPCR Challenge Cup and one in the league.

They all went the way of the Irish, 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,” he said.

“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.”

The man who made more than 150 appearances for Bristol is also expecting a big crowd and a lively atmosphere at the Arms Park.

“Over the last couple of years, their average attendance seems to be going higher and higher,” he said.

“I remember watching them play Munster towards the end of last season on TV, and it was rocking.

“I know there is a lot of stuff going on in Welsh rugby at the moment, but I feel like the Cardiff supporters are really getting behind their team.

“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.