Simmonds has chance to shine

By Nick Warren

Rookie fly-half Joe Simmonds admits it came as a big surprise to find out he was in the Exeter Chiefs squad to face Bath this afternoon – let alone start.

The academy prospect has been handed the No. 10 jersey for the Sandy Park outfit’s second Westcountry Challenge Cup tie as they continue their build-up to the new season.

After playing for the Chiefs as they won the Premiership sevens plate last month, the former Teignmouth player was not involved in Exeter’s opening pre-season contest against Gloucester.

But head coach Rob Baxter has rung the changes, and given Simmonds – brother of Exeter flanker Sam – his big chance this weekend.

“I didn’t even have a clue that I’d be in the squad, so starting is another bonus,” said Simmonds. “Having Tom Johnson (pictured), who has played for England, playing at six is huge and I can’t wait to get out there.”

Simmonds has a host of experienced players around him this weekend, not least half-back partner Haydn Thomas, who has featured in more games for the club than anyone else in the squad.

And he said his team-mates have already offered to help him out around the match against the side that finished runners-up in last season’s Aviva Premiership.

“The players have told me it’s nothing to worry about but if I need any help, ask them about things,” he said.

“I’ve got my notes, though, so it’s just a case of revising and knowing everything. It’s huge and it will really motivate me, especially this week in training,” added Simmonds about starting the match.

“Each week I’m just getting more confident with my game, so I’m making sure I know everything bit by bit and I’m now looking forward to the weekend.”

Simmonds has taken a lot from his experiences in the sevens. After coming through their group in front of a pack crowd at Kingsholm, Exeter won the secondary competition at Harlequins’ Stoop home.

He said: “You go out there and try to do your best but a lot of the boys told me to relax, play my own game and it will come.

“I think that’s what I did; especially in the first week at Kingsholm. In the first game, I was a bit nervous but, when you’re out there, you just forget about it all, play your own game and focus on the basics. It paid off, I think.”

As well as his older brother (pictured), Simmonds is trying to emulate the likes of Jack Nowell and Henry Slade, who progressed from the club’s academy to make England’s World Cup squad.

“Obviously having my brother coming here, I’ve always wanted to follow in his footsteps and it’s the same with Sladey and Nowellsy,” he said.  “I’m trying to take it step by step and build on things each week.”