Following his release from Gloucester Rugby at the conclusion of the 2018-19 season Joe Mullis has signed a contract with Cinderford RFC for the 2018-19 season.
Mullis (22) was educated at Chosen Hill School and played his initial club rugby in the junior section of Chosen Hill RFC. He joined Gloucester Rugby Academy in 2015. Initially an open side flanker Mullis was converted to hooker whilst at the Academy. During this period he has represented England at Under 16,17,18,19 and 20 level. During the 2016-17 season Mullis was part of the England Under 20s squad that achieved a Six Nations Grand Slam. Mullis travelled to Georgia with the England Under 20 squad to play in the IRB 2017 World Rugby Under 20s Championship. England made the final with Mullis starting the game at hooker against a New Zealand side that eventually were crowned champions.
Mullis made his debut for 1st XV debut for Gloucester Rugby against Saracens in the Anglo-Welsh Cup in November 2016. Gloucester won 36-32 with Mullis scoring Gloucester’s first try in the ninth minute. Overall Mullis played 5 times for Gloucester’s 1st XV.
During Mullis’ time in the Gloucester Rugby Academy he played several games for Hartpury in both their RFC and BUCS sides as a dual registered player. Mullis has also played for Cinderford RFC as a dual registered player on occasions beginning with an appearance against Wharfedale in September 2015. So far Mullis has played 16 times for Cinderford 1st XV including 11 appearances last season.
Paul Morris, Cinderford RFC Director of Rugby, stated “Joe is a very significant signing for Cinderford. He can play both hooker and open side flanker to a very high standard. Therefore he adds depth to our squad in two positions. Leaving Gloucester Rugby is tough for any local youngster with an emotional attachment to the club. We will help Joe discover his enthusiasm for the game again. Joe is good enough to play at Championship level and if he wants to do this in the future a good season for Cinderford will facilitate this. He is a character and we look forward to his involvement with us on and off the pitch in the coming season.”
Joe Mullis. “I can’t wait to get going with Cinderford. I’ve always enjoyed playing for them when on loan from Gloucester. I’m grateful to everyone who has helped me during my four years at Gloucester and I’ve had some great experiences. However, this is a new chapter for me and with a great set of lads, that I already know at Cinderford, and excellent coaching set up, I think this is the perfect fit for me at this stage of my career.”