Northern Edition
Select Edition
Northern Northern
Southern Southern
Global Global
New Zealand New Zealand
France France

'We've got internationals pretty much everywhere now' - Exeter's high-powered attack key as they chase a historic double to join the revered list of English clubs

By PA
Stuart Hogg and Jack Nowell. (Getty Images)

Exeter captain Joe Simmonds says there will be no let-up from the Chiefs as they continue their relentless pursuit of a domestic and European title double.

ADVERTISEMENT

Two months before his 24th birthday, fly-half Simmonds will lead Exeter into uncharted territory – a Heineken Champions Cup final appointment with Racing 92.

A week after that potential blockbuster in Bristol on October 17, the Chiefs could find themselves in a fifth successive Premiership final at Twickenham.

Video Spacer

The Rugby Pod give their Champions Cup predictions

Video Player is loading.
Current Time 0:00
Duration 0:00
Loaded: 0%
Stream Type LIVE
Remaining Time 0:00
 
1x
    • Chapters
    • descriptions off, selected
    • captions off, selected
      Video Spacer

      The Rugby Pod give their Champions Cup predictions

      “We want to win every trophy we compete for,” said Simmonds, whose stunning solo try completed a semi-final masterclass as Exeter downed multiple European champions Toulouse 28-18.

      “That is the great thing about this team, we are so passionate to win trophies.

      “We’ve had a few hurts in the last couple of years, losing finals, but we showed with the performance out there that everyone is hungry. It was brilliant.

      “We are really excited. We’ve never been in this position before, and it is a massive opportunity for not just the players, but the club and Exeter as a city as well.

      “When it comes to it, we will be raring to go.”

      Exeter were only promoted to the Premiership 10 years ago, and their staggering rise ranks among British rugby’s most spectacular success stories.

      ADVERTISEMENT

      And greatness beckons if they can land both major trophies, emulating the feats of Leicester, Wasps and Saracens during rugby union’s 25-year professional era.

      “What was I doing 10 years ago? I think I watched one of the (Championship play-off) games here, and just probably looking up to people like ‘Steeno’ (his fellow Exeter fly-half Gareth Steenson),” Simmonds added.

      “I loved the game, I loved watching rugby. To be here now is crazy.

      “I saw a tweet saying there’s eight or 10 players in the (match-day) 23 that have come through the academy.

      ADVERTISEMENT

      “The way the coaches read the players is brilliant, and for me to captain such a great team is brilliant. I have so many leaders out there, it helps my job.

      “We are looking only an hour-and-a-half up the road for the final. We’ve got to take it as a home game for us.

      “We are really excited for it, but we’ve still got two Premiership games to go and the semi-final. We’ve just got to look forward and enjoy what we are doing.

      “To have this opportunity to play in such big games, we will relish it.

      “We’ve got internationals pretty much everywhere now. We identified the key threats Toulouse would bring, then it was about putting our game on them.

      “We scored 28 points against a very good Toulouse team, so we feel we can score points against anyone.”

      While Joe scored 13 of Exeter’s points, his older brother – England international back-row forward Sam – also claimed a try as they both once again underlined their priceless value to the Chiefs’ product.

      “He does alright!” Joe said. “I wouldn’t say it to his face, but yeah he does well and he gets the team going forward.

      “It’s nice having him in the team. We never really talk about it too much, but when we finish playing and look back it’s going to be a proud moment for both of us.

      “For now though, we’ve got to just keep playing well week in, week out.”

      ADVERTISEMENT

      Toshiba Brave Lupus Tokyo vs Kubota Spears | Japan Rugby League One 2024/25 Final | Full Match Replay

      Saitama Wild Knights vs Kobe Steelers | Japan Rugby League One 2024/25 Bronze Final | Full Match Replay

      Boks Office | Episode 42 | Investec Champions Cup Final Review

      Spain's Incredible Rugby Sevens Journey to the World Championship Final | HSBC SVNS Embedded | Episode 14

      Australia vs USA | Pacific Four Series 2025 | Full Match Replay

      New Zealand vs Canada | Pacific Four Series 2025 | Full Match Replay

      South Africa vs New Zealand | The Rugby Championship U20's | Full Match Replay

      The Game that Made Jonah Lomu

      Trending on RugbyPass

      Comments

      0 Comments
      Be the first to comment...

      Join free and tell us what you really think!

      Sign up for free
      ADVERTISEMENT

      Latest Features

      Comments on RugbyPass

      S
      Spew_81 20 minutes ago
      Broken hand or not, Richie Mo'unga is still New Zealand's best 10

      The coaches who like these ideas ( e.g. non specialist/positionless/play what’s in front of you rugby) are often successful innovators e.g. Hansen, W Smith, E Jones etc.


      I think they get it in their head that they have to be constantly innovating to stay on top. Sometimes the best thing is just to focus on the basics/current pattern.


      To a degree I think that type of coach gets bored - unless they are trying to break the mold. But also, their success to that point and personality type won’t allow them to drop the new idea and admit they were wrong.


      Much like when the All Blacks were going to have a ‘flat backline’ in the Henry era. They were adamant that it was going to work, eventually. They were prepared to lose a few tests to achieve it. After the 2009 season (losing 0-3 to the Springboks) they were more than willing to give up 20 meters to offset the 'rush defense’. They generally go that 20 meters back and more on top. It was to Henry’s credit be changed how the backline worked e.g. abandoned the ‘flat backline’ and dropped the power wings for three fullback/right wings.


      With the benefit of 20/20 hindsight: a Cruden(10)/B Barrett(15) combo might’ve been better for the 2016-2019 cycle; and a Mo’unga(10)/B Barrett(15) combo might’ve been better for the 2016-2019 cycle. Then maybe Mo’unga(10)/Jordan (15) [with McKenzie at reserve 9] for the 2020-2023 cycle.


      I went off the deep end a bit the end of the comment, see who reads that far down :)

      38 Go to comments
      LONG READ
      LONG READ Jonny Hill: Tractor tyres, trophies and the fan altercation at the Rec Jonny Hill: Tractor tyres, trophies and the fan altercation at the Rec
      Search