Joe brings a wealth of experience to the role, offering exceptional opportunities for students across the school’s sports programmes, most notably on the rugby pitch and cricket field.
He joins Barnard Castle School from Northumbria University, where he has served as Head of Rugby for the past three years. During his tenure, both the men’s and women’s programmes achieved significant success, including four League titles and promotion in his first year. Joe also coached Old Barnardian Oscar Usher, who signed professionally with Newcastle Red Bulls after just one term playing at Northumbria University.
Joe’s professional rugby career began with Leicester Tigers, where he played at Premiership level for five seasons. His coaching journey has since taken him to Ampleforth School, the British International School of Kuala Lumpur, Dendermonde Rugby Club in Belgium, and Wasps RFC as an Academy Coach. He is currently coaching at Tynedale RFC alongside his role as Head of Rugby at Northumbria University.
Reflecting on his appointment, Joe said:
“I’m absolutely over the moon to be appointed as Head of Rugby at Barney. From previous visits to the school, I’ve always felt so welcomed and left thinking, ‘one day I’d love to be a part of that’. The rugby programme has had fantastic success over numerous years, and this is something I’m excited to drive forward and see where we can take it. Bring on next year!”
Rugby is a defining part of life at Barnard Castle School, instilling resilience, teamwork, discipline and leadership. The school has a long and distinguished rugby tradition, producing some of England’s most celebrated players, including Rob Andrew, Rory and Tony Underwood, Mathew Tait, and, most recently, Guy Pepper, not forgetting our outgoing Head of Rugby, Lee Dickson.
Headmaster David Cresswell said:
“We were fortunate to attract an outstanding field of candidates for this role, but throughout the process, Joe stood out as the right fit for Barnard Castle School. We are genuinely excited by the breadth of coaching experience he brings across junior, university and club rugby, alongside the values, character and warmth he displayed at every stage of the appointment process.
Joe will be an inspirational addition to our sports programme, not only in rugby, but also through his contribution to cricket and to the wider life of the school. Just as importantly, we believe he will play a significant pastoral role, building strong relationships with pupils and helping to develop young people both on and off the field.”
Joe is married to his wife Emma, and together they have two young daughters: Ruby (4) and Layla (5 months). One of the biggest draws of the role, Joe says, was the opportunity for his whole family to become part of the Barnard Castle School community. They can be assured of the warmest welcome.
Martin Pepper, Second Master, added:
“The whole school community is looking forward to welcoming Joe and his family in September. We are excited to experience the opportunities he will bring for our students across the boys’ and girls’ sports teams, as well as working alongside Lee Dickson, who is staying with us in an ambassador role. Joe’s coaching success speaks for itself, and we know this will be an exciting next chapter for him and for our Barney community”
