London Irish ace Joseph reassures Saints fans over ‘professional’ Corbisiero

Jonathan Joseph insists Northampton Saints are getting the best professional in English rugby next season in the form of Alex Corbisiero.

It was announced last month that loosehead prop Corbisiero will be swapping London Irish for Franklin’s Gardens next season.

At 24 Corbisiero looks set to add plenty of youthful vigour to a Saints front-row that will already be without Paul Doran-Jones who has agreed to join Harlequins.

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The American-born prop is also well-placed to add to his 18 England caps, however that chance was taken away from him this month after being ruled out for the entire Six Nations with a knee injury.

This isn’t the first time Corbisiero has been troubled with knee issues with the same problem ruling him out of England’s summer tour of South Africa.

But current Red Rose and England team-mate Joseph is urging those at Northampton to not focus on Corbisiero’s recent injury nightmares, adamant he has the mental toughness to leave it all behind him.

“It was tough when Alex was ruled out of the Six Nations and I really felt for him,” said Joseph, who is representing the England team for Marriott Hotels & Resorts, Official partner of the RFU.

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“You see the kid and he is probably the most professional kid I have seen.

“He is so focused on getting his knee better and he does really well but when he seems to be getting back to the right level he has another setback again and it must be heartbreaking for him.

“I can’t imagine what he has to go through and his family too but like I said, he is so professional that he is determined to beat this and I am sure he will.

“His operation now went successfully so hopefully he can get back and we can see him in the white shirt performing soon like we all know he can.

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“He is definitely due a bit of luck but I am not sure he needs it.

“He will definitely pull through with his mindset and he is a great lad and a great character so I have every faith in him to do just that.

”Corbisiero has managed to rack up 76 London Irish appearances, however just two of those have come this season as injury has taken its toll.

But Joseph believes that with age on Corbisiero’s side, the prop still has a bright future.

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“Everyone at London Irish were all gutted when it was announced that Alex would be moving on as he has been so important for us in the years,” he added.

“And I know he has had his injury troubles but he is only 24 and believe he will be a leading light for England for years to come.”

Jonathan Joseph is representing the England team for Marriott Hotels & Resorts, Official partner of the RFU. Marriott Hotels & Resorts is giving away a two night break in Europe every time England score a try in the RBS 6 Nations. Go to Facebook.com/MarriottHotelsUK for more details.