Former England number 8 Sam Simmonds has opened up about his decision to make himself unavailable for the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
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The ex-European Player of the Year has not featured for England since the unexpected announcement that he would not be available for last year’s World Cup.
Simmonds, who was then with Exeter, informed head coach Steve Borthwick that he did not want to be considered for selection as he prepared for his move to Montpellier.
Despite delivering standout performances for Exeter in the latter stages of last year’s Champions Cup, Simmonds has struggled to make his mark at the international level since Borthwick took over from Eddie Jones late last year.
With the challenging task of moving his family to France looming, he turned down the call-up, a decision he has now shed light on.
“As much I loved playing for my country, and all that came with that, I never really felt I fitted in,” revealed Simmonds.
“That’s not with the other boys. That’s just, I dunno, something I’ve always felt.
“So [come the World Cup training camp] I thought to myself: ‘Am I going to put myself through this?
“‘And if I don’t feel I want to go and throw myself into this 100%, am I really giving myself the best chance anyway?’”
He added: ““I just didn’t think I could make it work,
“I didn’t think I was prepared for everything that went with it. I thought about it the whole off-season, from the moment the season finished with Exeter until I spoke to Steve [Borthwick].
“Ultimately, I really wanted to get out to Montpellier and have a new start. Move my family into our new home and into French life, start at my new club rather than come late.
“That was the decision I made, and to be honest, I actually don’t feel like I regret that.”
Read Simmonds full interview with Alex Spink for Planet Rugby here.
Wayne Barnes didn’t hesitate when naming the best rugby captain he ever refereed
Get ready for a surprising revelation from renowned rugby referee Wayne Barnes, as he unveils his list of the top three captains he has officiated.
During a 2021 Q&A with Teddington Nub News, the famous whistleblower name checked three of the best skippers he’d refereed in his career up until that point.
#3. John Smit (South Africa)
A rugby legend hailing from South Africa, John Smit is renowned for his towering presence on the field and exceptional leadership skills. Born on April 3, 1978, Smit’s illustrious career as a hooker saw him captaining the Springboks to victory in the 2007 Rugby World Cup.
With 111 caps for his country, he’s revered for his strength, agility, and strategic acumen. Beyond rugby, Smit is a respected figure in sports administration, having served as CEO of the Sharks rugby team and played a pivotal role in the development of rugby in South Africa.
