Eight Crazy Things You Didn’t Know About Sam Simmonds

The number 8 is one of four Exeter players to be named in Warren Gatland's squad, with Luke Cowan-Dickie joined by Scotland captain Stuart Hogg and England second-row Jonny Hill.

Find out more about the 26-year-old below:

Samuel David Simmonds was born in Torquay, and grew up in Teignmouth, Devon, where his father and uncle are both in the fishing industry.

His younger brother Joe Simmonds also plays rugby union for Exeter Chiefs and has represented England at youth levels as a fly-half. He received an OBE after captaining the Chiefs to the Champions Cup and Premiership double in 2020.

The British & Irish Lions hotshot and his childhood sweetheart Emily have been together since 2013.

The pair will welcome their first child in October 2021.

Sam Simmonds has not played for England since March 2018. Speaking to the Rugby Journal, he revealed the reason why he continues to be left out by the Aussie.

“He (Eddie) said, at the moment I don’t fit into his squad and how he sees me, and how I play for Exeter, doesn’t fit into his team.

“And, that is quite tough to take, but at least we get to play for Exeter Chiefs.”

Having helped Exeter Chiefs win the Premiership and European Cup double – Sam Simmonds was named European Player of the Year in 2020.

Sam is a passionate Liverpool fan while brother Joe supports their arch rivals Manchester United. Steven Gerrard was his childhood sporting hero rather than a rugby player.

He was late coming to rugby, only committing to sport properly at the age of 14 having been an avid footballer.