Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

Joe Simmonds

Joseph Simmonds (born 19 December 1996) is an English professional player who plays as a fly-half for the club . Simmonds was born in and grew up in nearby , where he developed his rugby skills before joining the academy through College. He made his professional debut for in the 2016/17 season during an Anglo-Welsh Cup match against . Over the next seven seasons, Simmonds became a key figure for the club, serving as captain and amassing over 1,000 points in 178 appearances across all competitions. In 2020, at the age of 23, Simmonds led to a historic double, winning both the title and the Heineken Champions Cup, making him the youngest captain to lift the European trophy. For his contributions to the sport, he was awarded an in the Queen's List that December. Following the 2022/23 season, Simmonds departed to seek new challenges abroad, signing a two-year contract with , which he extended in September 2024 until 2028. Since joining Pau, the 1.83 m (6 ft 0 in), 91 kg (200 lb) playmaker has adapted quickly to the demands of French , contributing significantly to the team's resurgence. In the 2025/26 season, his standout performance—including 22 points in a 47-24 victory over —helped propel to the top of the Top 14 standings in October 2025.

Early life and education

Family background

Joe Simmonds was born on 19 December 1996 in , , . He grew up in nearby . He was raised in a family deeply immersed in , with his father and uncle Rob Simmonds both having played for the local Teignmouth RFC at a high standard. The Simmonds household in revolved around the sport, as the brothers followed in their relatives' footsteps by joining the club's youth setup early on. Simmonds' older brother, Sam Simmonds, born on 10 November 1994, further reinforced the family's rugby heritage; Sam has become a prominent professional player, earning caps for and featuring for clubs such as and in the Top 14. This sibling dynamic provided constant encouragement and competition, with the brothers often training together at RFC, where the sport was a central part of family life and community involvement.

Youth development and education

Simmonds attended in , where he joined the rugby academy program following in the footsteps of his older brother Sam, who was already progressing in the sport. The college, renowned for its rugby development through the AASE (Academy Sixth Education) league, provided Simmonds with structured training and competitive matches that honed his skills as a fly-half, emphasizing , kicking accuracy, and game management. During his time there, starting around age 16, he balanced academic studies with intensive sessions, which helped build his physical and technical foundation in the position. His performances at caught the attention of ' scouts, leading to his entry into the club's system at approximately age 16. Within the , Simmonds progressed through the under-18s pathway, participating in internal matches, tournaments, and A-league exposures that simulated environments. This phase focused on refining his fly-half role, including tactical awareness and under pressure, preparing him for higher-level competition without yet entering senior contracts. The 's emphasis on local talent integration motivated Simmonds, drawing from his family's heritage as a key influence in pursuing the sport . Early in his youth career, Simmonds earned representative honors with youth teams, including under-16 squads, where he showcased his fly-half abilities in regional fixtures against other counties. These opportunities allowed him to develop further by competing in structured environments that highlighted his passing precision and defensive organization. Later involvement with development squads provided additional exposure, reinforcing his growth in a competitive regional context before advancing to club academy levels.

Club career

Exeter Chiefs

Joe Simmonds made his senior debut for on 5 November 2016 during an Anglo-Welsh Cup match against . He came off the bench in a 29-15 defeat, marking the start of his professional career after progressing through the club's academy. Over the following seasons, Simmonds gradually earned more opportunities, often as a replacement for established fly-half Gareth Steenson, and by the 2018-19 campaign, he was beginning to feature more prominently in the Gallagher Premiership. By the 2019-20 season, Simmonds had established himself as a regular starter in the Premiership and , where he became the competition's top points scorer with 95 points. Across 26 appearances that season, he contributed 276 points, including four tries, showcasing his reliability as the team's primary goal-kicker. His development coincided with international recognition, as he received call-ups to England's senior training squads during this period. In January 2020, at the age of 23, Simmonds was appointed on-field captain for Exeter's European Champions Cup match against , a role he retained for key fixtures thereafter. Under his leadership, Exeter achieved a historic double, winning the 2019-20 final against in October 2020—where Simmonds became the youngest-ever winning captain in the competition's history—and the Gallagher Premiership final against Wasps later that month. In the Premiership final, played in heavy rain at , Simmonds kicked all of Exeter's 19 points via four penalties, earning man of the match honors in a 19-13 victory. Simmonds' tenure at Exeter spanned seven seasons, during which he made 178 appearances and scored over 1,000 points, maintaining a strong goal-kicking record that included success rates exceeding in several campaigns, such as 2020-21. His consistent performances, including appearances in the Premiership alone from 2020 to 2023, underscored his importance to the team's strategy and leadership. In 2023, after contributing to 's ongoing competitiveness, Simmonds departed the club, seeking new challenges abroad after a career-defining stint that included the 2020 double triumph.

Section Paloise

In summer 2023, Joe Simmonds signed a two-year contract with , relocating from to the French club in pursuit of renewed professional development and a fresh challenge abroad. He made his competitive debut for on 19 August 2023, starting at fly-half in a narrow 24-23 defeat to at Stade Pierre-Fabre. Adapting to the 's faster pace and heightened physical demands proved demanding initially, as Simmonds noted the league's intense atmosphere differed markedly from the English Premiership, requiring quick adjustments in decision-making and defensive resilience. During the 2023–24 season, Simmonds emerged as Pau's top points scorer with 246 points in 22 appearances (21 starts), including numerous penalties, conversions, and drop goals that underscored his reliability under pressure; across all competitions, he scored 279 points in 24 appearances (23 starts). His contributions were pivotal in stabilizing the team, helping them secure a ninth-place finish and qualification for the European Rugby Challenge Cup while mounting a mid-season push toward the playoffs, often leading comebacks with precise kicking in tight contests. Language barriers added to the transition, prompting Simmonds to attend one-on-one French classes to better integrate with teammates and coaching staff, including head coach Sébastien Piqueronies, whose tactical emphasis on attacking flair complemented his playmaking skills. Simmonds' prior experience as Exeter captain aided his leadership role at Pau, where he quickly assumed responsibility for guiding a mix of young talents and veterans. In September 2024, reflecting his successful adaptation and impact, he extended his contract through 2028, committing to the club's long-term ambitions in the Top 14. In the 2024–25 season, Simmonds continued his strong form, becoming the Top 14's leading points scorer with 255 points as Pau finished eighth in the league standings. As of November 2025, in the early stages of the 2025–26 campaign, Simmonds has contributed 75 points in six appearances, including a standout 22-point performance (four conversions, four penalties, and a ) in Pau's 47-24 victory over on 11 2025, which propelled the team to the top of the Top 14 table.

International career

Youth international rugby

Simmonds represented at under-20 level during the , where he was included in the elite player squad ahead of the tournament. He temporarily replaced London Irish fly-half Theo Brophy Clews in the squad due to club commitments. In the opening fixture against at in , Simmonds started at fly-half alongside scrum-half Harry Randall. He featured again later in the tournament on the bench for the match against at Stadio Pacifici in San Donà di Piave. Simmonds continued with the England under-20s into the 2017 Six Nations, named among the replacements for the key clash with at Ashton Gate in . Across his under-20 appearances from 2016 to 2017, he developed his fly-half role in competitive international environments, drawing on support from the academy system.

Senior international rugby

Despite strong club form that positioned him as a promising fly-half candidate, Joe Simmonds has not earned a senior international cap for . During his time at , he was frequently discussed as a potential selection amid injuries and transitions in 's backline, particularly around 2020 and 2021, but faced intense competition from established players such as and George Ford. Eddie Jones, 's head coach at the time, highlighted Simmonds as one of several uncapped prospects under consideration for a Test debut in the summer of 2021, though no call-up materialized. Simmonds' opportunities were further limited by the depth in England's fly-half pool and his own injury setbacks, preventing breakthrough to the senior squad despite youth international success drawing early attention. His last notable proximity to the senior setup came through mentions in training group considerations around the 2022 Autumn Nations Series, but he remained uncapped. In 2023, Simmonds' transfer to club in effectively ended any realistic prospect of selection, as RFU policy under prioritizes players based in the domestic Premiership to align with national team preparation and availability. As of November 2025, he continues to excel in without senior international experience, having expressed a desire to represent but acknowledging the geographical barrier.

Honours and recognition

Club achievements

Joe Simmonds played a pivotal role as captain of in their historic double triumph during the 2019–20 season, leading the team to victory in both the and . In the delayed Premiership final against Wasps on October 24, 2020, at , Exeter secured a 19–13 win in heavy rain, with Simmonds contributing 14 points through four penalties and one to guide the side to their first English title. Just a week earlier, on October 17, 2020, at Ashton Gate, Simmonds captained Exeter to a thrilling 31–27 victory over in the Champions Cup final, becoming the youngest player to lead a team to European club rugby glory at age 23; he added 11 points via four and a decisive last-minute penalty. Earlier in his Exeter tenure, Simmonds contributed significantly to the club's competitive campaigns, including their run to the 2018–19 Premiership semi-finals, where they defeated 42–12 before falling to Saracens in the final. In the 2021–22 Champions Cup, he featured prominently as Exeter advanced through the pool stage and reached the round of 16, defeating 13–8 in the first leg before an aggregate exit. Since joining in 2023, Simmonds has helped stabilize the club in the Top 14, notably during the 2023–24 season when Pau finished ninth to ensure survival and marked an improvement from previous relegation battles, though no major titles have been secured.

Individual awards

Joe Simmonds was appointed Member of the (MBE) in the for services to . The award, announced in December 2020, recognised his pivotal role in ' rise, including captaining the team to major titles at the age of 24. In March 2018, Simmonds earned the Aviva Premiership Rugby Player of the Month award after a standout month that included 38 points in league matches and 26 in the Anglo-Welsh Cup, helping secure key victories. He also topped the points-scoring charts in the 2019–20 Heineken Champions Cup with 95 points, contributing significantly to 's European triumph. Simmonds became the youngest captain in the history of the competition to lead a team to victory in the Heineken Champions Cup final, achieving the feat at 23 years old during the 2020 decider against Racing 92. His composed performance, including key penalties, earned him the Star Man accolade for the match. In November 2020, he was voted ' Supporters' Player of the Year, reflecting fan appreciation for his leadership and consistency. By 2023, Simmonds had amassed over 1,000 points in all competitions during his time at through reliable goal-kicking and tactical play.

References

  1. [1]
    Joe SIMMONDS - Player statistics - It's rugby
    Joe SIMMONDS is an international english rugby player at the fly half position.He was born on 19/12/1996. He measures 1 m 83 for 88 kg.<|control11|><|separator|>
  2. [2]
    Joe Simmonds - Ultimate Rugby
    Simmonds was made captain of Exeter Chiefs in the Champions Cup when Exeter played Glasgow Warriors in round five of the Cup in January 2020. He led Exeter on ...
  3. [3]
    Joe Simmonds Player Profile & Stats - Rugby Database
    Full name: Joseph Simmonds. Born: Torquay. Country of Birth: England. Birthday: 19th December 1996. Age: 28. First Game: Harlequins v Exeter Chiefs 20th ...Missing: biography | Show results with:biography
  4. [4]
    Joe Simmonds: Exeter fly-half's move to French side Pau confirmed
    May 30, 2023 · Simmonds scored more than 1,000 points in 178 games for Exeter and was awarded an MBE in December 2020 after the club's domestic and European ...
  5. [5]
    Simmonds 'honoured' to receive MBE - Exeter Chiefs
    Dec 31, 2020 · Exeter Chiefs fly-half Joe Simmonds was awarded an MBE in the Queen's New Year's Honours List announced on Wednesday evening.Missing: biography | Show results with:biography
  6. [6]
    Joe SIMMONDS : stats - All.Rugby
    Joe SIMMONDS is a 28-year-old English rugby player standing at 1.83 m tall (6 ft 0 in) and weighing in at 91 kg (14 st; 200.62 lb)
  7. [7]
    Simmonds guides Pau to Top 14 summit with Bayonne win - France 24
    Oct 11, 2025 · English fly-half Joe Simmonds scored 22 points to lift Pau to the summit of Top 14 on Saturday with a 47-24 success over in-form Bayonne.
  8. [8]
    'Give Joe Simmonds an England chance' says Exeter Chiefs ace ...
    Mar 25, 2020 · Exeter Chiefs' Gareth Steenson has called on England to give Teignmouth-born Joe Simmonds a chance with the young captain – so far at least ...
  9. [9]
    Revealed: The secrets of the Exeter talent factory - The Telegraph
    Oct 14, 2020 · “We are massively proud of where we come from,” said fly-half and captain, Joe Simmonds, whose dad, David, and uncle, Rob, are former playing ...
  10. [10]
    From Teignmouth to Lions: The rise of Sam Simmonds
    Nov 10, 2022 · From Teignmouth to Lions: The rise of Sam Simmonds. Like brother and fellow Exeter Chiefs star Joe, who played in the Torquay United FC ...<|separator|>
  11. [11]
    Who is Sam Simmonds: Ten things you should know about the ...
    Jun 10, 2021 · 1. Sam Simmonds was born on 10 November 1994 in Torquay, Devon. · 2. His younger brother, Joe, was born in December 1996. · 3. The family ...Missing: Mark Dean
  12. [12]
    Sam Simmonds on trading Exeter for Montpellier: 'I've never really ...
    Nov 5, 2022 · He describes himself as a Devon boy, and his family – his farmer and uncle are in the lobster and crab business – as “Teignmouth born and bred”.
  13. [13]
    Will Exeter's smashing Simmonds siblings be Kings of Europe?
    Oct 16, 2020 · Liverpool fan Sam, who, at 25, is two years older than Joe, spent most of his childhood trying to stick his brother back in his box. Talking ...Missing: Mark | Show results with:Mark
  14. [14]
    Young Gun: Joe Simmonds – Exeter fly-half - The Rugby Paper
    Nov 27, 2015 · Growing up in Teignmouth, Simmonds came on Exeter's radar when he followed his brother, Exeter flanker Sam, by joining Ivybridge College.Missing: youth development Hartpury
  15. [15]
    Simmonds shaping own future at Exeter - Talking Rugby Union
    Feb 1, 2017 · Like his older brother, 20 year-old Joe joined Ivybridge College and despite two tough years playing in the AASE Leagues for the Devonshire side ...
  16. [16]
    Dream debut for Simmonds - Exeter Chiefs
    “It's been an amazing few weeks,” said Simmonds, whose is part of the club's highly-successful academy programme. “To win the Plate up at the Sevens and now to ...
  17. [17]
    My Day Off: Joe and Sam Simmonds of Exeter Chiefs - Rugby World
    May 9, 2018 · After Sam went to Ivybridge Community College and started really focusing on rugby, Joe followed suit. Rugby had always been at the ...Missing: academy | Show results with:academy
  18. [18]
    Simmonds Brothers - Rugby Journal
    May 11, 2021 · Sam was a 30-goal-a-season striker (for one campaign) and Joe found the rigours of life at Torquay United 'too serious'. Luckily, salvation was found in rugby.Missing: Dean | Show results with:Dean
  19. [19]
    Exeter fly-half hailed after impressive debut against Saracens - BBC
    Mar 5, 2018 · Exeter director of rugby Rob Baxter has heaped praise on fly-half Joe Simmonds after his full debut in the top-of-the-table Premiership win over Saracens.
  20. [20]
    Simmonds named Supporters' Player of the Year - Exeter Chiefs
    Nov 20, 2020 · He featured in 26 first team games last season, scoring four tries and amassing a total of 276 points. Over 2,000 votes were cast for the ...Missing: top 211
  21. [21]
    How Joe Simmonds became Exeter's unlikely leader - The Telegraph
    Oct 16, 2020 · Simmonds admits himself he is a reluctant captain, struggling at first to even impose his authority on his big brother Sam, the Exeter No 8 two ...
  22. [22]
    Joe Simmonds: “I want to win it for the fans” - Talking Rugby Union
    At 24, Joe Simmonds is already an old head on young shoulders. Having taken on the captaincy of Exeter Chiefs all the way back in January 2020, the fly-half ...
  23. [23]
    Exeter seal double as Joe Simmonds punishes Wasps in ...
    Oct 24, 2020 · Exeter seal double as Joe Simmonds punishes Wasps in Premiership final · Exeter 19-13 Wasps · Joe Simmonds' kicks are crucial in atrocious ...
  24. [24]
    Premiership Final: Exeter beat Wasps 19-13 to secure historic double
    Oct 24, 2020 · The Chiefs won their own penalty in the final moments and 23-year-old skipper Simmonds kicked his fourth three-pointer to seal the double and ...
  25. [25]
    Joe Simmonds to become the latest big name to quit Exeter - report
    Jan 18, 2023 · “The 26-year-old, who has been playing for Exeter since his professional debut in 2016, is recognised as one of the best out-halves in the ...
  26. [26]
    https://www.itsrugby.co.uk/player-36714.html
  27. [27]
    Joe Simmonds: 'My rugby at Exeter was not where I wanted it to be'
    Sep 29, 2024 · Signing a long-term contract extension at Top 14 side Pau wasn't the best or most important life decision Joe Simmonds made recently.
  28. [28]
    Forgotten English standoff Joe Simmonds is flying it in the Top 14
    Nov 12, 2023 · Simmonds' points tally includes 17 penalties and 13 conversions, solidifying his position at the summit of the league's scoring charts. Pau, ...
  29. [29]
    Young Chiefs get England call-up - Exeter Chiefs
    England's 24-11 victory nudged them ahead on points, making it four title wins in five years. England U20 ... Joe Simmonds (Exeter Chiefs) temporarily ...
  30. [30]
    Chiefs duo named in Under-20s squad - Exeter Chiefs
    ... England U20 to play Scotland U20: 15. Mathew Protheroe (Gloucester Rugby) 14 ... Joe Simmonds (Exeter Chiefs) 9. Max Green (Yorkshire Carnegie) 1. Tom ...
  31. [31]
    Young Chiefs in Under-20s squad - Exeter Chiefs
    Exeter Chiefs duo Billy Keast and Joe Simmonds have both been named on the bench as England Under-20s make six changes to the starting line-up.
  32. [32]
    U20: Mercer on bench for England v Wales - Bath Rugby
    ... World Rugby U20 Championship in Manchester in June. Head Coach (and former ... Zach Mercer (Bath Rugby) 21. Calum Waters (Harlequins) 22. Joe Simmonds (Exeter ...
  33. [33]
    Five Years On: The Mixed Fortunes of Sir Ian McGeechan's ... - Ruck
    Oct 13, 2025 · What happened next: Despite captaining Exeter Chiefs to a Premiership and European double in 2020, Simmonds never played for England. He joined ...
  34. [34]
    Eddie Jones eyes new blood for England while his future remains ...
    Mar 24, 2021 · Eddie Jones has identified Marcus Smith and Joe Simmonds among a number of potential England debutants this summer, with the head coach set ...
  35. [35]
    Joe Simmonds opens up about life in France and the pressure ...
    Jan 3, 2024 · The 27-year-old will forever be revered as a club legend over at Sandy Park after becoming the youngest-ever European Cup-winning captain during ...Missing: biography | Show results with:biography
  36. [36]
    https://www.exeterchiefs.co.uk/news/chiefs-31-racing-27
  37. [37]
    Chiefs 31 Racing 27 - Exeter Chiefs
    Exeter Chiefs are crowned the 2020 Heineken Champions Cup winners after their 31-27 victory over Racing 92 at Ashton Gate.<|control11|><|separator|>
  38. [38]
    Exeter beat Racing 92 31-27 to lift first Champions Cup title - BBC
    Oct 17, 2020 · Exeter Chiefs had just enough to keep Racing 92 at bay and clinch their first Heineken Champions Cup title in a thrilling final at Ashton Gate.
  39. [39]
    Exeter 42 - 12 Northampton - Match Report & Highlights - Sky Sports
    May 25, 2019 · First-half scores from prop Harry Williams and out-half Joe Simmonds put Exeter 14-0 ahead, but the Saints hit back via a penalty try and Ahsee ...
  40. [40]
    Highlights, Gallery And Reaction | Munster v Exeter Chiefs
    Apr 18, 2022 · Munster qualified for a 19th Champions Cup quarter-final after the 26-10 victory, clinching a 34-23 aggregate win over Exeter Chiefs in the ...
  41. [41]
    Joe Simmonds won't be returning to England anytime soon
    Sep 19, 2024 · Joe Simmonds will be staying in France until the summer of 2028, at least after penning a three-year contract extension to remain with Pau.Missing: Devon | Show results with:Devon<|control11|><|separator|>
  42. [42]
    Extraordinary public service at centre of New Year Honours List 2021
    Dec 30, 2020 · In sport, Director of Rugby at Exeter Chiefs Robert Baxter receives an OBE and Captain Joe Simmonds receives a MBE, both for services to Rugby ...
  43. [43]
    The Year in Numbers - Planet Rugby
    Dec 23, 2020 · 95 – The number of points scored by the 2019/20 Champions Cup's top points-scorer, Joe Simmonds. That's 10 points more than second-placed ...<|separator|>
  44. [44]
    Simmonds confirms switch to Pau - Exeter Chiefs
    May 31, 2023 · French Top 14 side Pau have confirmed the signing of Exeter fly-half Joe Simmonds on a two-year deal.