Simmonds targets European victory

By Mark Stevens
01/04/23

Sam Simmonds’ time as an Exeter Chief may soon becoming to an end, but the all-action forward is determined his final days in Devon will be packed full of memories.

In what could prove to be his penultimate run-out at Sandy Park this afternoon, the England and British & Irish Lions has made no secret of the fact that he intends to lap up ever last minute of his Chiefs career.

Ironically up against the club he will join next season, the 28-year-old will be looking to throw the proverbial spanner in the works to his soon-to-be employers as the Chiefs target a last eight place with victory.

For that to happen, Rob Baxter’s side will need to show a marked improvement on their display of a week ago at Westcountry rivals Bath. Not only did the Chiefs slip to defeat against the Premiership then basement club, but the performance was one that left the Exeter Director of Rugby clearly unimpressed.

Some tough talking on all sides have followed this week and Simmonds, who was named European Player of the Year in 2020, is confident there will be reaction of sorts from the Chiefs.

“After a loss like that, it’s important you come together, have a chat and be honest about everything,” said Simmonds. “There were a few tough conversations, but that’s understandable after a performance like that. We all know it wasn’t up to standards and it’s a game none of us were proud of.

“Thankfully, we feel like we’ve thrashed things out this week, training has been good and there has been a real energy amongst the group because we know the challenge that is coming.”

With Simmonds set to bring to an end his long-standing career as a Chief, he admits the upcoming weeks are going to be tough, not just for him, but for a number of others who are destined for pastures new. It is, however, a move he feels he must make, not just in terms of his playing career, but for his family as well.

“Playing Montpellier this weekend adds that little bit extra for me,” he added. “I’m sure it would have been the same for Harry and Dickie had they been fit. Depending on results, this could be my penultimate game at Sandy Park. This has been my home for the past 10 years, so I want to finish on a high.

“Deciding to make the move, yes it was a tough decision. All I’ve ever known is the Chiefs, but I said at some stage in my career I wanted to try something different. Heading to France next season will be different, not just in terms of the rugby, but the language and the lifestyle. But that’s next season, for now all my thoughts are on finishing strongly with Exeter.

“As I said, there are a few of us leaving at the end of the season and I’m sure there will be a fair bit of emotion when it does come to say goodbye. At the same time, we all love this club and we want to use that to spur us on and put in some big performances.

“There are some huge games to come between now and the end of the season and there is still so much for us to play for. Montpellier this weekend is the start of that and now we have to go out there and put in a performance. As players we know the fans are frustrated with last week, but we are own biggest critics. None of us go out not to perform, so hopefully we can show a response this weekend.”