KID BROTHER JOE HAS THE EXE FACTOR
JOE SIMMONDS’ dazzling late-season emergence has Exeter believing they can become back-to-back English champions.
The younger brother of England back-row star Sam has started only six league games after coming in for injured club legend Gareth Steenson.
Yet he was Premiership player of the month for March and on Saturday inspired the country’s top side to its best-ever league finish.
Exeter boss Rob Baxter said: “Steeno is the guy who’s been there and done it, Joe’s the guy with the shirt at the minute.
“Steeno’s desperate to play, but Joe’s been fantastic.”
The 21-year-old fly-half scored the pick of Exeter’s six tries at Quins as they ‘won’ the regular season for the first time.
Their 17th victory gave them 85 points, eight clear of runners-up Saracens and one point more than their previous best haul of last season.
“We are in better shape than we were a year ago,” said former England No.8 Thomas Waldrom. “Young lads like Joe are the backbone of our team at the moment.
“Training is a lot more intense. We are hungry for more success. As players we want to be the first to achieve things for this club.”
Back-to-back titles would tick that box and next up is a home semi-final on Saturday week against Newcastle, who finished fourth after losing 39-22 to Wasps.
Danny Cipriani continued his fine form ahead of Thursday’s England tour squad announcement as Wasps claimed third spot and an away trip to Saracens in the second semi-final.
“We are getting momentum at the right time of the season,” warned hooker Schalk Brits after Saracens’ 62-12 demolition of Gloucester.
Leicester and Bath took the final Champions Cup qualifying places with wins over Sale and London Irish.