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jonathan
joseph
2014/15was a standout season
for Jonathan Joseph. His form for
BathRugby andEngland led to the
centre receivingdouble recognition
at the 2015RPA Players’ Awards,
takinghomeboth theRPA
Players’ Player of theYear and the
EnglandPlayer of theYear 2015
inassociationwithRheadGroup.
With this inmindwe sat down
with Jonathan tofindout exactly
whatmakes him tick.
Firstly congratulations onwinningboth
theRPA Players’ Player of theYear and
the England Player of theYear 2015 in
associationwithRheadGroup, howdoes
thatmake you feel?
It’s a tremendous feeling and I was over the
moonwhen I foundout. I’m genuinely honoured
to have been nominated for both awards,
particularly as the nominations came from players
across thewhole of the Premiership. It’s been a
great year forme professionally so it’s great to be
recognised bymy peers and endmy season on
a high.
Youhadabrilliant season in aBath shirt, it
mustmean a lot tobe votedby your peers
as thebest player in the 2014/15Aviva
Premiership?
It genuinely does. The quality of rugby at Bath
and across the Premiership just keeps getting
better and better, sowhen you know that you’re
up against some of the best players in theUK, it’s
pretty special to think that they seeme up there
too. I’ve beenworking hardwith the team, and
together we’ve been able to deliver some great
rugby this season, so I really do have to accept
the accolades on behalf ofmy teammates,
coaches and family too. I get a lot of support on
and off the pitch, and that’swhat has helpedme
to have a great season.
You alsoplayeda significant part in
England’s SixNations campaign; therefore
itmust be abig confidenceboost aheadof
theWorldCup towin the England Player of
theYear Award in associationwithRhead
Group?
Yes, it was great to play a part in it. It was a
fantastic tournament and some of the biggest
matches ofmy career so far – includingWales at
theMillennium and the Francematch at home.
The atmosphere at theMillenniumwas electric.
I will take a lot ofmemories from it and I was
really proud to be involved. Going into theWorld
Cup, we’ll need to be as prepared andwork just
as hard.
You seem tohave stepped it up to another
gear this season.What do youput this
improvement down to?
I would have to say a combinationof things.
Continuouslyworking onmy core strength has
been a big thing forme, diet and nutrition has
also played a part. I’ve alsomatured a littlemore
and I’m getting to knowwhat works forme.
How important has the support of your
family and friends been throughout the
2014/15 season?
I’m really lucky to have great people aroundme
– both in rugby and outside.My family keepmy
feet on the ground – I have two younger brothers
who I go home to see asmuch as I can along
withmy sister, so it’s important to keep things in
perspective.My family have obviously been there
since the beginning, so inmanyways it’s nice for
them to seeme playingwell, and it’s great to get
them down to The Rec and Twickenhamwhen
they can.
Finally,who inspires you towant toperform
at your best for Bath and England?
My family inspireme because they sacrificed so
much formewhen I was growingup. I wouldn’t
bewhere I am todaywithout them. So every time
I need a focus point, I think of them and that
spursme on towant to be the best that I can be
–whatever shirt I’mwearing.
I’mreally
luckytohave
greatpeople
aroundme–both
inrugbyand
outside.
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