Bailey ‘Chomping at the Bit’ for Investec Champions Cup Debut

Joe Bailey had just finished a gym session with his EURFC teammates on Monday morning when he got the call from Chiefs coaches that he had been selected to play in this Friday’s Ulster clash in Belfast – marking the young forward’s Investec Champions Cup debut.

A valued member of the University of Exeter’s Super BUCS team, a World Rugby U20s Championship winner with England and already a capped Exeter Chiefs player in the Premiership Rugby Cup, this latest selection marks a new step on Bailey’s career ladder.

“I’ve been chomping at the bit and dying for an opportunity like this, so I’ve been working really hard to earn one,” the 20-year-old says as he sits in the dugout at Sandy Park looking out over the pitch after a full day’s training. “It’s a step in the right direction but there’s loads more work for me to do and then hopefully one day a Chiefs shirt will have my name on it.”

While the forward is no stranger to big games – he scored a try in England U20s’ triumph over France in last summer’s final in Cape Town – an Investec Champions Cup fixture is a different beast.

“I’m definitely nervous but more excited really, because I can’t wait to get out there,” Bailey says, a smile forming on his face. “I think the whole experience of it all will be great. Ulster is apparently a great atmosphere, so it’ll be great to get out there in front of their stadium. A first Champions Cup experience, you’re always going to be nervous – it’s the top level of club rugby. I’ve got mixed emotions – excitement, nervousness – but it’ll be good.

“Chiefs and EURFC boys have all been really supportive. I got loads of messages and everyone at the club came up to congratulate me when the team was announced. To get such a good response from everyone was really nice.”

The selection was made by Chiefs coaches who see real promise in the 6ft 6’ back five player. Bailey, who was introduced to rugby at Newton Abbot RFC aged seven, has steadily developed on and off the field in the Chiefs environment and is a player Forwards Coach Rob Hunter believes has earned his chance.

“In terms of progress, Joe has been making it steadily for years,” Hunter said. “He is a high action player. He gets through a lot of work – his clear-outs, his set piece and the basics of his game are really solid.

“He’s also become quite an experienced player from a variety point of view – he’s played and called in the BUCS competition, and he’s won a junior world cup. Not many people can say they’ve done that. So, in terms of his background in terms of development, he ticks a lot of boxes.”

Bailey takes a second to ponder his answer when asked if he thinks there is a single point of difference in his game which has seen him receive the selection nod to take to the field at Kingspan Stadium this Friday night.

“I’ve been around the training group for a while now, working hard in the gym and off the field as well as on the field. I’ve been trying to develop physically as well as developing on the pitch. I like to think maybe they’ve seen someone they like so I’m going to keep pushing myself.

“I think it will add to my game to play around boys who have played at this level on a regular basis. It’s a big step up and you’ve got to adapt around boys like that and play at their level. There are loads of experienced lads all around me so they’re helping me out, making sure I know everything I need to know, talking to me on the pitch to ensure I’m where I need to be so that’s really helped.”

Bailey’s step into the cauldron of European elite rugby is one which coach Hunter believes could also be to the betterment of his EURFC teammates. While it will only be Bailey’s boots that touch the turf this weekend, the knowledge he gains from the opportunity could help funnel the Chiefs’ message back into the university and academy set-ups.

“Joe getting this experience and then going back to play in the BUCS competition not only improves the BUCS team, but it also helps to raise the standard for that whole competition. It’s really important, where we can, to keep getting boys moving up the ladder but also back down into youth teams to spread their experience.

“It’s integral that young, talented players get the chance to step up but that they also get the chance to spread that knowledge gained amongst their peers. I think it’s really positive that we facilitate that system of knowledge spreading and that Joe gets to go back to be a leader amongst that BUCS environment.”

This weekend’s game is one which Bailey looks to build on going forward. Whilst he tapers his expectations that he may still not be ready for elite rugby week-in-week-out, he is clear in his vision that there may one day be a Chiefs shirt that people come to associate with the name ‘Joe Bailey’.

“I want to reach the top. I want to be consistently named in a Chiefs shirt. I’ve come through the different levels of this club, and I want to be a valued member at this club. I want to play as many games as I can here.

“I’ll take all the advice I can get, soak it all in and hopefully that will benefit me. Then one day, I’ll be running out the Sandy Park tunnel for many years to come.”