Joe’s out to show he’s no longer the shy guy
RISING Exeter playmaker Joe Simmonds has laid down a challenge to club stalwart Gareth Steenson as he aims to follow older brother Sam into the big time.
With Sam, below, expected to wear England’s No.8 jersey against Italy next weekend, Joe is looking to continue his progression at Chiefs following last week’s hugely impressive secondhalf Champions Cup cameo against Glasgow.
Former Teignmouth RFC and Ivybridge man Joe, 21, revealed how he spurned the chance of a career in professional football to pursue his rugby dreams. Now he aims to dethrone Steenson and earn the right to wear Exeter’s No.10 shirt. Simmonds told The
Rugby Paper: “It’s hard coming off the bench but I’ve been able to make an impact with ball in hand a few times this season and been getting game time.
“It’s good having Steenson here because he’s a great leader who’s good to learn off and I’m still young, but I’m pushing for the opportunity to play in front of him now. It’s the same with Henry Slade and I want to try and push past both of them.”
Like his brother, Joe was a late entrant into rugby. He explained: “I was into football a lot and played in the youth for Torquay United for quite a few years.
“I went there as a striker but didn’t score enough goals, so I ended up as a centre-back and was doing all right. But I was better at rugby and moved towards that, playing first team rugby for Teignmouth and Ivybridge College before being picked up by Chiefs.
“I still live in Teignmouth and my friends play for them, so I get down to watch when I can.”
With his flames of ambition fanned by the exploits of his brother, who just 15 months ago was turning out for the Cornish Pirates before being thrust into the spotlight at Chiefs, Joe looks to be on a similarly rapid route to the top.
Confident? “You’ve got to be,” Joe says.
“When I first got to Exeter I was quite shy but guys like Steenson and Slade are good leaders and the great thing about Chiefs is they see their 10s as being the guys who take charge from the front. “Everything goes through them so over the next couple of years I’ve got to keep stepping up to that level and earn my trust as a guy who can lead. “This time last year I got my first Premiership start against Newcastle and it’s just about remaining consistent and taking my chances when I get them.” Joe added: “It’s been an incredible year for my brother and he’s had an opportunity with England. “Hopefully, he’ll get the opportunity to start in the first Six Nations game against Italy, which would be amazing and shows how quickly things can happen. “I’m sure he’ll take his chances – it’s now up to me to follow suit and there’s a lot to play for as we target the league and AngloWelsh Cup.”