Joe was born and still lives in Barrow-on-Trent. He attended Barrow School and then Chellaston. Rugby began for Joe at Melbourne U6’s. Father Ian coached Joe all the way through the age groups and into the Academy at Melbourne. Playing rugby at school at Chellaston enabled Joe to enjoy tours to Belgium and Portugal.

Selected for the Leicester Tigers Developing Player Programme from 13-16 years of age He was released aged 15/16 as he wasn’t tall enough. Joe was told that the Coaches could coach skills, but not size. Where would Ange Capuozzo be if Italy used that criteria?

Undeterred, Joe trialled for Notts, Lincs and Derbyshire (NLD), there being no Derbyshire County representation. Following in the footsteps of Mack and Rohan Welsh who had been chosen to represent NLD the previous year upped the pressure but responding in true Lucas fashion Joe got in to NLD U17’s and was made Captain. Chosen for NLD U18’s and most recently for Midlands U18’s Training Squad, he is currently training with NLD U20s. Joe played his first game for Melbourne 1sts on his 17th birthday and continues to grow in stature, if not in height, looking a comfortably confident regular in Melbourne 1st Team.

Since leaving school Joe has worked for Nugget over a couple of summers before beginning an apprenticeship as an Electrician with Ashley Stringer. The aim is to have his own business as a fully qualified electrician. Before that happens Joe plans a bit of travelling to Australia and other points Antipodean.

1. First position you played in rugby: Back Row
2. Worst injury: Broken Leg (Turned out not to be!!) A&E put it in a cast. 6 weeks later they reviewed the injury, x-rayed it again, and said it wasn’t broken. Cast off and played next week.

3. Best player you played with at MRFC or elsewhere: Archie Turton

4. Best person for post-match drinks, fun and frolics: Stan Keight

5. What should your nickname be: No nickname as yet

6. What bad habit do you have: None!! (Author’s Note: Ask Mother)

7. Your sporting hero: Kevin Sinfield

8. Your non-sporting hero: My Dad

9. Favourite food/meal: Pizza and Pasta

10. Favourite TV programme/film: Breaking Bad

11. Favourite book: Playboy

12. Who dead or alive would you like to have a conversation with: My Uncle Robin

13. You can take either a book, music or a tool to a desert island. Which, and what would it be: Music

14. Dream job: Run my own Business in the Electrical field

15. Tell me something about you that no one knows : I’m related to Henry VIII
16. A phrase that reflects your life: Work Hard, Play Hard

17. What sport do you wish you’d tried: Basketball

18. Who would you like to see interviewed for this article: Archie Turton

19. Your wish for the future of MRFC: To Reach as High a Level as Possible

20. Your Melbourne Dream Team of players past and present:

Robin Clayborn
Archie Turton
Roger Lucas
Mack Welsh
Rohan Welsh
Wozza
Devon
Ian Lucas
Paigey
Euan
Joe Travers
Sam Smith
Nugget
Ash Stringer
Josh Pearch
Quinny
Sudders
Stan Keight