French Top 14 side Pau are reportedly considering a move to bring Montpellier No.8 Sam Simmonds to the Stade du Hameau next season, according to Rugby Pass.
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The club is looking to reunite the 29-year-old England and Lions star with his younger brother Joe Simmonds. Sam Simmonds, who was a key part of the Exeter Chiefs’ Premiership and Champions Cup-winning side in 2020, is in the second and final year of his contract with Montpellier, although he is believed to have an option for a third season.
Pau’s Interest Remains Strong
Pau had shown interest in signing Simmonds earlier this summer before Montpellier successfully avoided relegation. With uncertainty surrounding whether Simmonds will extend his stay at Montpellier, Pau are expected to make another attempt to secure his signature if the option for a third season is not taken up.
International Break and Decision to Miss World Cup
The former European Player of the Year has not represented England since he made the unexpected decision to step down from international duty ahead of the 2023 Rugby World Cup. In an exclusive interview with Planet Rugby, Simmonds opened up about his reasons for withdrawing from the squad, saying he didn’t feel he truly “fitted in” at international level.
“As much as I loved playing for my country, I never really felt I fitted in,” Simmonds explained. “So, when the World Cup training camp came around, I asked myself: ‘Am I going to put myself through this if I’m not 100% in it?’”
Mental and Physical Challenges of England Duty
Simmonds admitted that he wasn’t mentally prepared for the grueling demands of England’s pre-season camp, especially with the risk of not being selected for the final squad. “I didn’t think I was prepared for everything that went with it,” he confessed. “I thought about it the whole off-season.”
Instead, Simmonds opted to focus on his new chapter in Montpellier, moving his family to France and embracing life in the Top 14. Reflecting on his decision, Simmonds said: “I really wanted a fresh start. To be honest, I don’t regret that decision.”
The Three Richest Couples in World Rugby
Rugby has produced some of the most iconic athletes in the sporting world, but for a select few, success on the pitch has also led to immense wealth off it.
From high-profile marriages to lucrative endorsements and television appearances, these rugby stars have built financial empires.
Here’s a look at three couples who have combined their sporting legacies with fame and fortune, amassing millions along the way.
Mike and Zara Tindall – £20m
Mike Tindall is known not just for his rugby prowess but for his royal connections. As the husband of Zara Phillips, the granddaughter of Queen Elizabeth II, Tindall has become a prominent figure in British media.
Nicknamed “The Fridge” due to his imposing physique, Tindall was a stalwart on the rugby field, famously breaking his nose at least eight times over the course of his career. Since retiring from the sport, he’s made a name for himself in the entertainment world, appearing on popular reality shows such as I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here, Bear Grylls: Mission Survive, The Jump, Shark Cage, Celebrity Poker Club, and All-Star Poker Challenge.
Despite his success in sports and entertainment, Tindall’s wealth has been largely bolstered by his royal ties, with his net worth estimated at £20 million, according to British media.