Joe Maddock (rugby player)

Joe Maddock (born on December 20 1978 in Christchurch, New Zealand) is a New Zealander winger/fullback currently playing for Bath in the English Guinness Premiership. During his professional career he has represented the Super 14 side the Crusaders between 2002-03 when the side won the Super 12 title after an unbeaten season and the New Zealand Maori on their tour of England in 2003.

Joe was born in Christchurch, New Zealand. He made his professional debut for the province Canterbury in 2001, scoring two tries against Buller in a Ranfurly Shield match. In two years with Canterbury Maddock ran in 27 tries in 30 appearances. Joe marked his Crusaders debut in 2002 with a try against the Highlanders. He scored a further two tries in his freshman season for the Crusaders as they won the Super 12 title undefeated. Joe failed to score in his second season with the Crusaders, and departed the side with 16 appearances and 3 tries. In 2003 Joe was selected for the New Zealand Maori squad for their England tour in 2003. Regaining his scoring touch, he ran in 8 tries in 8 games for the Maori.

Maddock joined Bath from Canterbury in summer 2004. In his first season at the Rec he made 14 appearances (9 starts) and scored 2 tries. The following season, 2005/06 saw Joe scoop the Ted Arnold award for being the club's top try scorer, securing 5 touchdowns in 19 games in all competitions. He finished the 2006/07 season with 8 tries in 30 competitive games making him the club's joint top scorer for the season. His performances gave him the 'Best Back' title at the end-of-season awards dinner.

In the 2007/08 season, try scoring machine Matt Banahan grabbed many headlines, notching a phenomonal 16 in all competitions, yet Maddock proved once again reliable at being on hand to run in 6 in 18 appearances, including 2 during Bath's road to victory in the European Challenge Cup.

2008/09 started well for Bath as he crossed the whitewash in the opening day 33-20 win at Bath and the following week in the 21-17 home defeat to rivals Gloucester. Joe is also a basketball player and has represented Canterbury. In his spare time he enjoys playing basketball at the Bath Spa University along with Bath team mates Jonny Faamatuainu and Eliota Fuimaono-Sapolu.

References

* [http://www.bathrugby.com/264_302.php Joe Maddock at Bath Rugby official website]
* [http://www.crfu.co.nz/main/index.cfm/1,381,1468,0,html/78-Joe-Maddock Joe Maddock at Crusaders official website] Bath Rugby Matchday Programme, Volume 8 Issue 12, 16 February 2008.