"Right some of the wrongs" - Sam Simmonds reveals details of his latest chat with Eddie Jones
Rugby NewsMonday, 24 May 2021 at 14:10
Sam Simmonds has revealed the details of his latest positive interaction with England boss after Eddie Jones messaged him to congratulate him on Lions selection.
Speaking to the Mail Online , he said: “He (Jones) sent me a text to say, ‘Well done’. Over the past few months, there has been more chat with the England set-up and that gives you some confidence,” Simmonds revealed.
“I was always hopeful that if I wasn’t selected by the Lions then I’d be involved on the England summer tour.
“I was gutted not to be involved in the Six Nations but the positive is that my form has been good for Exeter and I’ve been playing in a winning team, which gave me the best possible opportunity to be picked for the Lions.
“It’ll be great to right some of the wrongs of when I played international rugby in the past. I’m more mature and more physical now. I know how to train."
He added: "I still want to play for England and be in contention for selection in the autumn,” Simmonds said.
“I’ve not been getting selected for England and I’ve made peace with that, but I still want to be a part of a successful England team.
“I want to get back to playing for England. I feel like I could have a role to play in the England side and hopefully I can prove that in the summer.”
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Eight Crazy Things You Didn’t Know About Sam Simmonds
#1. Early life
Samuel David Simmonds was born in Torquay, and grew up in Teignmouth, Devon, where his father and uncle are both in the fishing industry.
#2. Brother
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.
#3. Partner
The British & Irish Lions hotshot and his childhood sweetheart Emily have been together since 2013.
#4. Father-to-be
The pair will welcome their first child in October 2021.
#5. Why Eddie Jones doesn't pick Simmonds?
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.”
#6. Best player in Europe
Having helped Exeter Chiefs win the Premiership and European Cup double – Sam Simmonds was named European Player of the Year in 2020.
#7. Football fan
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.
#8. Late starter
He was late coming to rugby, only committing to sport properly at the age of 14 having been an avid footballer.
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