Simmonds shortlisted for award

By Mark Stevens
1/5/18

Exeter Chiefs and England forward Sam Simmonds is on a five-man shortlist for the Sanlam Young Player of the Year Award.

The prestigious prize will be presented at the upcoming Rugby Players’ Association (RPA) awards dinner which takes place on Wednesday, May 9 at Battersea Evolution in London.

The Under-23 award is voted for by the players, with the winner collecting a trophy named after Harlequins and England scrum-half Nick Duncombe who tragically died from a rare form of blood poisoning aged just 21 in 2003.

Simmonds, who has enjoyed a fantastic campaign to date, scoring 14 tries in 22 appearances, faces competition from Harlequins fly-half Marcus Smith, Gloucester’s Italian international flanker Jake Polledri, Wales and Worcester winger Josh Adams and Wasps.

In what has already been a season to remember for the 23-year-old, Simmonds has not only helped the Chiefs to secure top spot in this season's Aviva Premiership, but he made his international debut in the Autumn against Argentina and has since gone on to win seven Test caps for England.

He also scored his first international points in February when he scored twice in England's 46-15 win over Italy in Rome.

Now, the Torquay-born forward will be hoping to play his part as the Chiefs look to make it back-to-back title wins in the Premiership. The Chiefs will face either Wasps or Newcastle Falcons in the semi-finals at Sandy Park on Saturday, May 19.

Commenting on his nomination, Simmonds said: "I am very thankful for the incredible support and recognition to be shortlisted for this award. Playing in the Premiership is a great privilege and I’ve enjoyed every moment this season and doing my best to perform week in, week out for Exeter.”