I’m loving every single minute
Mark Stevens finds former Exeter Chiefs playmaker Joe Simmonds enjoying his new life in France
IN THE picturesque town of Pau nestled at the foot of the Pyrenees, Joe Simmonds has found more than just a rugby club; he’s found a new place to call home. In what was initially a journey of uncertainty, leaving behind the familiar surroundings of Exeter Chiefs and his native Devon for the allure of French rugby, now, as he stands on the verdant pitch of Stade du Hameau, the gifted playmaker knows he has made the right decision.
The 27-year-old’s transition to life across the English Channel was not without its challenges initially. The language barrier seemed daunting, especially as he studied Spanish rather than French at secondary school. However, with the patient guidance of his team-mates, coaches and the locals, Simmonds now finds himself conversing in broken, but understandable French.
“To be fair, I’m quite lucky that a good group of the lads speak pretty good English,” said Simmonds. “It’s the same with the coaches. For me, though, you have to dive straight into it, which is what I’ve done. I feel kind of rude sometimes when the whole room is pretty much French and they’re explaining things in English just for me.
“Thankfully, people like Dan Robson, Sam Whitelock and Luke Whitelock help out as well. Luke actually speaks very good French, so it’s not too bad because you can fall back on those people if necessary. All the time, though,
I’m learning more and more and it’s really helping me settle in.”
Certainly, Simmonds - whose older brother Sam also made the switch to the Top 14 last summer with Montpellier - has had no such issues settling into life on the field with his new club.
Currently the leading point-scorer in the Top 14, the fly-half has flourished in new surroundings, enjoying a change of scenery, both on and off the field.
“I had an unbelievable time at Exeter, experiencing so many good times, more than I could ever have imagined,” added Simmonds, who co-captained the Chiefs to a historic Premiership and European double in 2020. “However, I got to a point where I felt I just needed something different for me.
“I would never have changed a thing with winning those trophies of what we achieved, but I think after the pressure of potentially not playing for England and listening to people constantly ask you questions about why you’re not playing for England, I think I just put too much pressure on myself.
“I had come to a point where I had to do something. With Sam making the decision to leave as well, I think that helped my decision-making massively. If Sam had stayed at Exeter, I would probably still be there. But I feel like that helped and I’ve been here nine months now and I’m honestly, in terms of rugby and the lifestyle, enjoying every minute.”
Although Sam is just a four-hour drive away, the pair still communicate regularly, alongside a weekly catch-up with former Chiefs mates, including Stu Townsend, Jack Innard, Jonny Hill, Alec Hepburn and Harry Williams.
“I do miss that side of Exeter, seeing the lads every day – because we literally used to spend every single day together. Whether it was at the club, days off for coffee, playing golf, that’s probably been one of the hardest parts for me, leaving all those guys behind.”
Simmonds has, however, made a new glut of friends in France and that has helped transform his game. “I was doubting myself a bit back home and that affected my performances,” he said. “I probably got comfortable at the Chiefs with the things I had done and what I had achieved. When this opportunity arose, I knew I had to take it.”
And Simmonds has done just that, establishing himself as a permanent fixture in the Pau back division.
“I think the way they play the game here is much more ‘off the cuff ’. The Premiership is more structured and it’s harder to break down defences in a way, but with the players that play in the league over here, they can just do anything at any point.
“It’s very attack-minded, it’s quick, and those things I really like. It’s definitely different, but that’s good, I even scored my first-ever drop-goal last week!”
Such is the way Simmonds is relishing in his new role, who knows where his French connection will lead. For now, it’s onwards and upwards for the Teignmouth talisman.