Warren Gatland boosts Sam Simmonds chances of Lions call-up

Wednesday, 10 March 2021 at 09:23

byRugby Rucker

Warren Gatland has revealed that Sam Simmonds is in the running for a spot in his Lions squad despite being given the cold shoulder from Eddie Jones.

The number eight should be playing international rugby, so if his country (inexplicably) doesn’t want him, hopefully there will be an even higher calling.

On BT Sport over the weekend Lawrence Dallaglio reached a state of agonised exasperation saying: ‘Come on, people have got to see this. Pick him!’

The plea was no doubt aimed at Jones, but returning to the subject later, Dallaglio switched his focus to Lions head coach Warren Gatland, who was in attendance at the Rec.

‘This guy is the best No 8 in Europe,’ said Dallaglio. ‘He’s the quickest back-row forward around, he’s powerful, he’s got great footwork, he’s got great hands, he’s got work-rate — what more do you need?

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‘I’d be very surprised if Warren Gatland doesn’t like the look of what he sees.’

Gatland, who watched as Simmonds scored his 13th try of the season at the weekend, give this possibility a boost, revealing this week: "To be clear, the door isn't shut on anyone.

"Obviously, we rather people were playing for their country regularly, but that can't and won't always be the case."

LIST: 4 players more likely to make the Lions squad than England’s

Danny Care

At the ripe age of 34, Danny Care continues to excel with Harlequins, who he has represented since 2006.

But the Leeds-born half hasn't enjoyed much of a look in internationally during Eddie Jones' time in charge.

He hasn't played for the national team since a 35-15 win over Japan in November 2018 - a game he scored in - but his international career was infamously ended due to an off the field disagreement Jones that day.

He was once again overlooked for the 2021 Six Nations squad after Harry Randall's withdrawal through injury despite his near impeccable club form.

Given that backdrop, his age, and with eyes on the upcoming 2023 Rugby World Cup, it seems unlikely the Care will get an England recall despite any clamour for one.

However, if you want the best Lions squad in 2021, picking on form is the way to go and Care's recent form will undoubtedly have caught the attention of Warren Gatland.

He has never been called up for a Lions squad, with many feeling he was unfortunate not to get a look in for either of the 2009 and 2013 tours. Will 2021 finally be his time to shine in the famous red jersey?

Sam Simmonds

He should be playing international rugby, so if his country (inexplicably) doesn’t want him, hopefully there will be an even higher calling.

Ben Coles

@bencoles_

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Sam Simmonds bypassing his bizarre lack of selection by England and going straight into the British and Irish Lions squad definitely works for me.

10:29 AM · Mar 8, 2021

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On Saturday, the older Simmonds brother scored a try for the Chiefs. Again. It was his 13th strike of another prolific season.

On BT Sport over the weekend Lawrence Dallaglio reached a state of agonised exasperation saying: ‘Come on, people have got to see this. Pick him!’

The plea was no doubt aimed at Jones, but returning to the subject later, Dallaglio switched his focus to Lions head coach Warren Gatland, who was in attendance at the Rec.

‘I’d be very surprised if Warren Gatland doesn’t like the look of what he sees.’

Joe Simmonds

Could Joe Simmonds become a Lion before he’s an England international? It's a very rare occurrence but there is every chance in Simmonds' case.

The fly half has masterfully lead Exeter in recent years, becoming the youngest ever captain of a European Cup-winning side and winning Player of the Match in the final.

Ben Coles

@bencoles_

·Follow

Sam Simmonds bypassing his bizarre lack of selection by England and going straight into the British and Irish Lions squad definitely works for me.

10:29 AM · Mar 8, 2021

1.0K

Read 18 replies

Exeter also won the Premiership last season and the Torquay-born 24-year-old was awarded an MBE for his services to the sport in the 2021 New Year Honours List.

Despite his remarkable achievements, he has been an unlucky victim of Eddie Jones' loyalty to fly-halves who he has already worked with.

While the likes of Owen Farrell have remained largely consistent in the role, many feel Simmonds has been unlucky never to pull on an England shirt.

And the calls for him to receive a call have only become louder after England's poor start to the Six Nations.

That still seems unlikely at this stage and, while his form for Exeter continues to hold up well, Warren Gatland could do far worse than take the emerging Chiefs legend on tour.

Jack Nowell

Even prior to his recent injury concerns, Jack Nowell appeared to be on the fringes of the England squad.

The 27-year-old hasn't featured for his country since the 2019 Rugby World Cup - his final appearance to date was a 39-10 win over Argentina when he scored a try.

Nowell hasn't played any rugby at all since having toe surgery after the Premiership final in October and suffered a fresh setback earlier this month which ruled out any chance of an England call any time soon.

Those factors mean his England chances - at least in the short term - are becoming slim.

But Warren Gatland has already proven he is a fan of Nowell after he handed him a shock call up for the 2017 Lions tour; he played twice against the All Blacks, and in doing so became Exeter's first-ever Lions player.

Will Gatland take the gamble on his recovery from injury and go with someone he knows over a more emerging option from elsewhere?