Today we catch up with Joe Evans. A player that has continually played first team level since the age of 17. Having seen Joe grow up it was clearly obvious he possessed a huge amount of talent. A very skilful player who leads from the front. The level of physicality he brings to the game is unbelievable. His defensive displays have won Billingham games based on his performance alone. So it was great to speak to Joe and get his point of view on his reign as skipper.

How long were you captain for?
2009 to 2014 so 5 seasons

What did it mean to you when you were appointed captain?
I can still remember the day Chris rang and asked me to captain the team, it was a huge honour. Been able to lead the club that I love, a club I have played for since I was five and a team that was full of my friends and my 3 brothers was a privilege. I am very thankful to Chris for giving me the opportunity.

Do you have a favourite game as a player and as skipper?
It’s hard to pick a game for both as I have been a part of so much within the club but I will try. As a captain every game was special and I could talk about games in our promotion seasons but the game against Huddersfield stands out to me. Fighting for survival in the league over 30 points down a half time and fighting back not to win but to get 2 points out the game that helped us stay up.
As a player one in resent memory is Blaydon away this year, the squad determination to grind out the win was quality and I came off the pitch battered knowing I had given everything amazing feeling great team.

What's your best social memory?
Impossible to choose one! I love club dinners and tours are carnage.

How do you feel when you look back on your time as captain?
Honestly privileged, to be able to say that I have captained this amazing club and to always be a part of its history is special.

How impressed have you been with the young lads this season?
The young lads coming into the team have been tremendous, the level of rugby they are playing is great but for me it’s the want and desire to play for Billingham. They are always training and Happy to put there bodies on the line for the team. Hats off to the youth section, Peter and the senior section for creating an environment for the young lads to succeed.

What about the club as a whole? Much has changed over the years... what are your thoughts?
So much has changed! From getting changed at the football stadium and walking over to hosting an England u18 game on our AGP pitch. When you sit down and think about it I don’t think anybody could have envisaged the growth of the club.
This is testament to mark and our fantastic committee, who have steered the club to where we are now and have created the platform for all our rugby teams to succeed.
From a playing front Peter has seamlessly transitioned into head coach and has carried on creating the winning environment that Chris started. The players are fully invested in the club and determined to keep the winning culture going.

#OSIOS