Sam Simmonds (rugby union)


Samuel David Simmonds is an English rugby union player for Premiership Rugby side Exeter Chiefs. His position of choice is back row forward. Sam grew up in Teignmouth Devon and played for Teignmouth R.F.C for most of his youth. After graduating through their academy, Simmonds made his Exeter Chiefs debut in November 2012.

Personal life

Simmonds was born in Torquay, and grew up in Teignmouth, Devon, where his father and uncle are both in the fishing industry. As a child, he wanted to be a footballer, but after earning selection to play rugby for Devon aged 14, he switched his focus to it.
His younger brother Joe Simmonds also plays rugby union for Exeter Chiefs and has represented England at youth levels as a fly-half.

Club career

Simmonds went through the Exeter Chiefs Academy, making his debut for the senior side in an Anglo-Welsh Cup game against London Welsh in November 2012. In February 2017, Simmonds played his first Premiership match for Exeter Chiefs against Wasps, earning the Man of the Match award. In the Championship semi-final against Saracens, he came on as a replacement at No.8. Chiefs were down three points towards the end of the game, when he scored the winning try from a driving maul. Then he was a replacement as Exeter Chiefs defeated Wasps to be crowned champions of the 2016-17 English Premiership.

International career

Simmonds received his first call up to the England national rugby union team for the 2017 Autumn Internationals. On 11 November 2017 Simmonds made his debut against in 21-8 win at Twickenham.
With Billy Vunipola and Nathan Hughes, Eddie Jones' first and second choice at No.8, unavailable through injury, Simmonds was called up to the England squad for the 2018 Six Nations Championship. He made the starting XV in England's first match of the championship against Italy, and scored two tries to help England to a 46-15 victory in Rome.

International tries

TryOpposing teamLocationVenueCompetitionDateResultScore
1Rome, ItalyStadio Olimpico2018 Six Nations04 02 2018Win46 – 15
2Rome, ItalyStadio Olimpico2018 Six Nations04 02 2018Win46 – 15