To some supporters he’s an enigma; to others he’s a star. Ask any Falcons supporter and they’ll have an opinion on Joe Shaw, but they’ll also have one abiding memory; cutting through the Sale defensive line on 17^th April 2004 and doing a swallow dive in the in-goal area to score Falcons’ third (and arguably most memorable) try of the Powergen Cup Final.

The likeable Brummie started his career at Sale, and after having made eight appearances for the then-Heywood Road based side, moved south in the summer of 2000 to join reigning European champions Northampton. I’ve personally got happy memories of him at the Gardens, although ironically his best try was saved for an away trip to Bristol in May 2002, when he took the ball from full back inside his own half and proceeded to run through and around the home defence for a superb individual try. It was to prove the last time he crossed the line for the club, as his contract was not renewed a few short weeks later, the evergreen Nick Beal having kept Joe out of the side for long periods during his two years at the Gardens.

Rob Andrew came in for him that summer, and in the two seasons since, Joe’s played in 30 Premiership games, scoring three tries in the multi-talented Falcons back line. Given a relatively low return try-scoring wise, some would see it as ironic that his greatest moment should be on that day in April in crossing the line, but add to that two try saving tackles (as well as one in the snowy quarter-final against London Irish), and the enthusiasm with which he celebrated that try, and you could tell what it meant to him.

Captaining England at under 18 and under 19 level, Joe also went on to pick up England under 21 honours before being involved in England’s first of their current three year winning streak in the Hong Kong Sevens, where his speed proved to be a great asset (and after having a cartilage operation back in February 2001).

Whatever anyone says about the man, he’s committed, genuine, and always gives 110 per cent in every game - and that is all you can ask for. At 24 years old, there’s a lot more to come from Joe Shaw.