Sam Simmonds sends clear message to Eddie Jones with try celebrations after stunning hat-trick display last night
Following on from his England snub by Eddie Jones, Sam Simmonds had a lot to prove at the Stoop last night on the return of the Gallagher Premiership.
The 26-year-old number eight did more than just prove a point after a sensational solo performance as Exeter Cheifs put Harlequins to the sword last night.
Fans also noticed that there was a sense of extra feeling in the back rower’s celebrations after not being picked in Jones’s squad for this Autumn Nations campaign.
Sam Simmonds was back to his very best last night with this stunning score to open the try-scoring for the Chiefs.
If Eddie wasn’t paying attention to the powerhouse forward – he would be after this! Watch his long-range try in the video below.
Sam Simmonds picking up exactly where he left off! 🔥
The Simmonds brothers combine for a beautiful @ExeterChiefs score!#GallagherPrem pic.twitter.com/usQGqSzwfO
— Rugby on BT Sport (@btsportrugby) November 20, 2020
Fans couldn’t believe what they were seeing as Simmonds outpaced the chasing defenders including the likes of Nathan Earl.
Rob Baxter was full of praise for the young number-eight after the match last night – watch some of his other tries in the clip below.
The two names we’ve been inundated with all evening;
1️⃣ Eddie Jones
2️⃣ Sam SimmondsHere’s @ExeterChiefs‘ Rob Baxter on Sam and Joe’s England omission.
A very interesting listen…#GallagherPrem pic.twitter.com/j7Dg4Pmupt
— Rugby on BT Sport (@btsportrugby) November 20, 2020
Will he be back in the England side next week after last night’s performance?
In more news
‘Exciting young prospect’: Hurricanes look to future with second signing in as many days
Manawatū Turbos No 8 Brayden Iose relishes run of form https://t.co/TrO2kqynAF pic.twitter.com/6yhWMVNDug
— Stuff.co.nz Sport (@NZStuffSport) October 4, 2019
The Hurricanes have announced the signing of Brayden Iose through until 2022.
Born and bred in Manawatu, the 22-year-old was earmarked as a future star of the game whilst representing Palmerston North Boys’ High School.
Iose’s talents have led him down a path which allowed him to gain experience in the Hurricanes U18s, U20s and the Hunters.
In 2018, he was included in the Hurricanes’ wider squad on a development contract and was rewarded with game time during the Brisbane Global 10s which took place in the Super Rugby pre-season. Unfortunately, injury struck.
“It has been a bumpy few year years to be fair. I played 3 games in 2018 due to a hip injury and in 2019 I missed a large portion of the season due to a knee injury. It was a tough time mentally, but I feel I have grown a lot and learnt a lot about myself during those times.”
Throughout the latter half of this year, Iose headed back to Manawatu for the Mitre 10 Cup season, but says he’s enthusiastic about getting himself back down to the capital.
“It’s crazy, all through school I looked up to these guys and now they’re my teammates. There are outstanding loosies at the Hurricanes and I’m really excited to learn off them and grow my game by working alongside them.”
He wants 2021 to be all about taking his game to the next level.
“I want to develop my game as much as I can and put my best foot forward every week. I want to do everything I can to put the team in a position to win.”
Hurricanes assistant coach, Chris Gibbes, says Iose is a welcome addition to the forwards.
“Brayden is an exciting young prospect who has come through the Hurricanes development pathway. He’s got good speed and power with a high skillset. He also has great character and I’m looking forward to watching him grow in our environment.”
