Jones reveals why Sam Simmonds isn’t in his Six Nations squad

The 26-year-old was one of the major exclusions from Jones’ Six Nations Squad, a decision that left many pundits and supporters scratching their heads.

Simmonds, speaking to the Rugby Journal, revealed why he continues to be left out.

"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."

Jonny May has underwhelmed since rejoining the Cherry & Whites while Radwan has been a standout star for the high-flying Falcons. The Newcastle flyer, who was the top-scorer in the Championship last season, put the England winger on his ass twice as the two went head-to-head at Kingston Park recently. Would have been an exciting call-up, but no dice.

Named as an apprentice in the England party for the 2018 NatWest Six Nations, the dynamic fly-half then starred for the England XV side that beat the Barbarians 51-43 at Twickenham in May 2019, scoring 26 of those points in a stand-out performance. However, despite his stellar form for Harlequins, he's since been in the international wilderness with no sign of a recall from Eddie Jones.

DID YOU KNOW? Smith is the second youngest debutant featured in the Aviva Premiership at 18 years and 200 days old whose record is behind George Ford.

The fly-half was the man of the match in Exeter’s Champions Cup victory over Racing 92 and had another perfect day with the boot in their Premiership final win over Wasps a week later. What more he has to do to be called-up?

DID YOU KNOW? Simmonds was appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the 2021 New Year Honours for services to rugby union football.

Named in the shadow squad, but was a high-profile omission from the main group. Played a stand-out role in Wasps’ march to the Premiership final in the 2019-2020 season, winning an astonishing 46 turnovers over the course of the campaign, and scooping the Rugby Players’ Association Player of the Season award, the Breakthrough Player of the Season award, and the Premiership Rugby Player of the Season award. How is he not in the squad?!

DID YOU KNOW? He started his academy life with London Irish before joining Wasps

He’s a bit of a renegade, but with eight tries in the Premiership already, the calls for an international recall continue to grow. Hopefully, talent prevails, but in this case, it’s more likely that Eddie Jones ignores fans and carries on with Saracens back-rower Vunipola, whose only appearance of late was a shock defeat against Ealing Trailfinders.

DID YOU KNOW? As a child, Sam Simmonds wanted to be a footballer, but after earning selection to play rugby for Devon aged 14