English exports: Joe Simmonds makes Chiefs fans wonder what they're missing

Joe Simmonds is an Exeter Chiefs legend for his heroics on their way to winning the Champions Cup and Premiership double in 2020 but since moving across the Channel, he has flourished at the expense of his former club.

Simmonds departed the English south west in 2023 to join Top 14 outfit Pau, based in France's south west.

There was a time when England fans were calling for him and his brother to start for then Eddie Jones' side but those calls were quashed. Another player largely ignored during Jones' tenure was scrum-half Dan Robson but the isolated pair have united at Pau to form a deadly half back partnership.

Top 14's top scorer

Simmonds took to rugby in France like a duck to water as after just three matches, he was voted player of the month for September by supporters, having led the league in points scored.

The 28-year-old continued his sharp shooting as he finished as the league's top scorer with 246 points and was the most used player in the league in terms of minutes played.

His second season has seen him solidify his role as the team's playmaker and has extended his contract until 2028.

Gets one over his brother

At the climax of a thrilling encounter with Montpellier last weekend, Simmonds dropped into the pocket to slot a last minute decisive drop goal to secure a 40-38 victory, which kept this team in the race for the top six.

What made the dramatic triumph even more sweet for Simmonds was the fact that the player in his face as he kicked the precious three points was none other than his brother Sam, who narrowly avoided a pivotal block.

Chasing further honours

Simmonds faces off against some familiar foes on April 4 when his side hosts Bath in the Challenge Cup quarter-finals.

The former England U20s fly-half is also spearheading a play-off charge and is orchestrating a backline full of talent including French internationals Hugo Auradou, Theo Attisogbe and Emilien Gailleton.