It was winter 2021 when the ex-England U20s lock quit Saracens for a leap into the unknown, a lockdown flight out of London into Lyon where nothing was guaranteed.
The senior-level restriction hasn’t affected the 18-year Kpoku who has been popping across the Channel this winter from Paris to win his place in Mark Mapletoft’s age-grade starting line-up.
Greater endeavour on attack has not proven profitable for Premiership clubs in the Champions Cup.
Joel Kpoku can’t quite believe it has turned out so good so quickly for him at Lyon. His December Top 14 debut was a disaster, injury sidelining him for nine weeks, but he has recently generated an impressive head of steam.
Recent Lions pick Duhan van der Merwe is among the stars coming to the 2021/22 Premiership where there is an extensive list of ins and outs.
We take a look at the academy systems in the Gallagher Premiership and Guinness PRO14 and decide which side is the most productive, position-by-position.
Following further stellar performances from Ben Earl, Marcus Smith and Ollie Lawrence, Eddie Jones' England spider-senses must be going off.
Northampton Saints have carried off a significant coup in nailing down the signing of highly-rated Saracens secondrow Joel Kpoku - RugbyPass has learned.
Northampton Saints have carried off a significant coup in nailing down the signing of highly-rated Saracens secondrow Joel Kpoku - RugbyPass has learned.
The 2018/19 Gallagher Premiership season is upon us, with 11 teams intent on knocking Saracens off their perch as reigning champions, Alex Shaw takes an in-depth look at each of them.
