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.
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.