PHIL Joseph could be Britain’s hardest working rugby player.
That’s because the Swinton Lions forward, 25, also manages a town centre late-night bar.
So after the final whistle, Joseph, of Crosland Moor, can be found in That Bar, King Street – serving, cleaning and making sure everything runs smoothly.
With a licence until 4am on weekends Phil isn’t home until 7.30am where he grabs a few hours’ sleep before heading off to Sunday’s game, be it in Greater Manchester or further afield.
And it’s no sleep on Friday for Phil who can still be found cashing up at 7am before he heads across the Pennines for training.
Joseph, who has played for Halifax, Hull KR, and Huddersfield Giants, bought That Bar with teammate Rob Foxen seven months ago.
But the night job has had little effect on Phil and Mancunian winger Foxen’s performance as Swinton are currently top of Championship One without a single defeat.
Dad-of-one Joseph has managed The Waterloo at Waterloo and The Crosland, Crosland Moor while playing professional rugby but That Bar has been his toughest challenge.
Phil, who spends most of Sunday evening and Monday sleeping off the weekend, said: “I started with a couple of pubs but I’ve always wanted a town centre bar.
“Our coach, Steve McCormack, is quite understanding because we’re performing to a professional standard. If it was affecting how we play he wouldn’t be too happy.
“But we try to block the tiredness out. You have to stay mentally strong.”
Going professional is every rugby player’s dream so why doesn’t Joseph just play for a living?
He says: “It boosts my income and hopefully it’s something secure for me to do after I’ve finished playing rugby.
“There are occasions when we think we can’t do it anymore but we’ve got to be mentally strong.
“My girlfriend doesn’t like the late nights and she thinks I’m overdoing it but she knows I want to be successful and she’s been very supportive.
And does Phil think he’s Britain’s hardest working rugby player?
“I don’t know, but me and Rob are certainly up there!”
