Joe Carpenter (rugby union)

Carpenter signed for Sale Sharks in August 2019.^[2] He made his debut for the club off the bench in the European Rugby Champions Cup in January 2020, in a 30–23 loss to La Rochelle.^[3] He then made his first start on 18 January in the same competition against Glasgow Warriors.^[4]

In March 2021 Carpenter joined Nottingham on dual registration.^[5] He started in Nottingham's opening fixture against Ealing Trailfinders.^[6] He also featured for Sale in this time period, starting against Wasps in the Premiership Rugby Cup and scoring his first try for the club, on 29 March, in a win against Harlequins - also in the cup.^[7][8] In October 2021 Carpenter was dual registered with Sale FC, making his debut against Taunton Titans.^[9]

Carpenter made his Premiership Rugby debut on 1 October 2022, playing at the Salford Community Stadium against Exeter Chiefs. He scored his first Premiership try in the fixture, which Sale won 28–20.^[10] Carpenter was voted the Rugby Player's Association 15 under 23 MVP of the month for October 2022, after scoring three tries in five appearances.^[11] At the end of that season he started in the 2022–23 Premiership Rugby final which Sale lost against Saracens to finish league runners up.^[12]

In April 2017 Carpenter was selected for England U16, playing in a 41–22 win over Wales.^[13][14] He was then named in an England U17 training squad in February 2018, although he did not ultimately feature for the side.^[15]

In April 2019 Carpenter was named as part of England's squad for the U18 Six Nations festival, starting against Wales.^[16] He was then named as part of the England U20 elite player squad for 2021, although he did not feature for the side.^[17]

In June 2024 Carpenter was called up to the senior England squad for their tour of New Zealand although did not make an appearance.^[18] Later that year in November 2024 he started for England A in a victory over Australia A.^[19]

Carpenter was called up for England's training squad ahead of their game against France XV as part of their preparations for the 2025 mid-year rugby union internationals.^[20] He started at full-back for England XV in their non-capped international and was named man of the match.^[21] He was then named as part of England's squad for their tour of Argentina and the United States.^[22]

On 19 July 2025, Carpenter made his senior England debut, winning 40-5 against USA at Audi Field in Washington D.C.^[23]