BLUES: Joe jumps at chance to sign up
The T&C speaks to former England U18 star Joe Clark, the latest arrival at Goldington Road
Hooker Joe Clark admits he jumped at the chance to join Bedford Blues from Plymouth Albion as soon as he heard they were interested.
Clark, who has represented England at U18 level, rose up through the Gloucester Academy before turning out for Cambridge University.
He has also spent time with Alghero RFC in Italy and Newbury before making the move to Devon at the start of last season.
Now, having completed his move to Goldington Road, Clark told the Times & Citizen: "It's a real good opportunity for me coming to a great club like Bedford.
"I've left a lot of friends down in Plymouth but I feel this is a big step in my career.
"I was very excited when I heard Bedford were interested. I asked my agent to speak to Mike Rayer, who was keen and, from there, it all happened very quickly."
Although Clark will certainly have his work cut out to earn a start at number two – with Dan Richmond and Chris Locke already at the club – that competition is one Clark is looking forward too.
"I played against both of them for Plymouth last season and they are both very good players," he said.
He continued: "But I'm not afraid of a bit of hard work and I'll hopefully earn Mike's trust and play ahead of them on occasions.
"Over the last couple of years, I've been fortunate to have had tough competition in my position at clubs I've been at.
"It has pushed me on to play better and, hopefully my arrival will also push them on play better as well, and the club will reap the rewards as a result."
On the prospect of playing at Goldington Road again, Clark said: "I've enjoyed coming here in the past.
"Winning here last year with Plymouth was a very happy memory. It was a shame that I injured my calf in the first five minutes and it was probably my shortest appearance of the year.
"I had to come off on crutches and hobble back to the bus that night. It was one of our best away wins, at a place like Bedford, where it's notoriously difficult to win."
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Saturday 26 May 2012
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