IT would not be unfair to Newent Rugby Club to say that Joe Goatley is playing beneath his level.

In eight appearances this season, the 30-year-old has scored 125 points at an average of almost 16 per game, including 11 tries.

Of the three games Newent have lost, he did not play in two of them.

So why has this former Gloucester player – who spent four years in Cinderford's first XV under Pete Glanville – dropped down so many leagues to play his rugby?

The simple answer is work commitments.

Joe left Cinderford for a job in London and a place in the Richmond first XV.

The birth of his second daughter and the launch of his own recruitment company led to a return to Gloucestershire to be nearer to family.

He explained: "When I came back I played a few games for Cinderford United but it was obvious that I just could not commit enough time to my rugby to train, get fully fit and challenge for the first XV.

"I wasn't going to play at all, but my wife's grandfather Mike Poole – who is president of Newent RFC – was having none of that.

"Playing for Newent was never part of my plan, but I've really enjoyed it.

"The club has got a lot of talented 18 and 19-year-olds who are raw, but love throwing the ball around. They also regularly remind me of my age and make me feel old."

While playing for Richmond, Joe was in the gym four nights a week and training with the club twice a week.

He's not surprised to see the Londoners doing well this year – as shown by their 56-9 win over Lydney on Saturday. He said: "Richmond share a ground with London Scottish and they are very good at networking with companies and finding employment for players.

"They highlight the standard of the National Leagues and why I couldn't commit to Cinderford.

"In one of my first games for Richmond, Bobby Skinstad was in the side. A year or so later, he was on the bench in a World Cup final."

Joe's brother Jean-Paul played for Cinderford at the same time as him, but fell out of love with the game and no longer plays.

However, younger brother Sam is a regular in the Matson line-up.

Joe said: "I'm helping out with a bit of coaching at Newent, which I enjoy. Perhaps I'll give National League rugby another go in the future, but at the moment it's just not possible."

Newent RFC's John Moore believes Cinderford's loss is certainly his club's gain.

He said: "Joe is the first to acknowledge that he can't do anything without the ball but he is without doubt a match winner and the star player in Gloucestershire Two, although he would be embarrassed if he was told this.

"Joe is not just a scoring machine but guides our young players, both on and off the field. He is a great motivator and never loses his cool when things go wrong.

"He's also a very likeable bloke. He insists on being treated exactly the same as all the other players and pays his match fees, fines and membership without complaint.

"It is great to see a player who has competed at a much higher level, with great success, come back down the leagues to pass on his experience."