Southland Stalwart Joe Walsh Back for Seventh Season with Southland Stags

The SBS Bank Southland Stags are pleased to have their most capped player from the 2021 season, Joe Walsh, back for the upcoming Bunnings NPC.

Walsh, 28, could easily be mistaken for a born and bred local, having played 53 games for Southland since his debut in 2016, bringing up his 50th against Wellington last year.

Joe Walsh made the shift South from his home province Waikato in 2016 following several seasons in the Waikato setup.

“Playing for Southland means a lot to me, even though I’m not originally from down South.”

The Loosehead prop says he owes his thanks to Southland and the Stags for where he is now.

“They (Southland) gave me an opportunity to do what I love and there is no better feeling than walking around town or running out onto the park knowing we have the supporters behind us no matter what”.

Walsh and the coaching staff are looking forward to getting stuck back into the NPC campaign in July’s pre-season.

Forwards Coach David Hall is pleased to have a player like Joe back.

“Joe is one of our senior members now and we are delighted that he has recommitted to the Stag. He has a very professional attitude and drive high standards for himself and the team. “ said Hall.

Joe, who would normally be stripping for Woodlands in the club competition this week, is taking up an amazing opportunity in the USA’s Major League Rugby.

“Having taken up the chance to play fulltime in America, we are looking forward to his return at the end of June and getting back into his work for the Stags, no doubt a better player.”

Walsh will prove a key anchor point in the scrum this season and a leader on and off the field.