The third-line English international from Exeter, 28, has signed up with the MHR until 2026. He will compensate for the departure of Zach Mercer after the World Cup.
The 3rd Line English International Center in Exeter Sam Simmonds has signed up with the Montpellier club for three years, one of which is optional, the French rugby champion confirmed on Thursday.
Simmonds, 28, from Torquay, was recruited by manager Philippe Saint-André to replace his compatriot Zach Mercerback in his native country with the Gloucester club to join the Quinze de la Rose.
“The departure of Zach Mercer is obviously a big loss for the club as he was exceptional for two seasons (2021-23). But we are lucky to have recruited Sam Simmonds who plays in a different register. Sam is a world cl player, his pedigree and stats are impressive“, said Philippe Saint-André.
Simmonds was trained at the Exeter Academy, where he has established himself since 2017 as a master piece. With the English club, he was crowned twice (2017, 2020) champion of England and won the Champion’s Cup in 2020.
The English international (19 selections) aspires to play the next World Cup (September 8 – October 28) with the fifteen of the Rose. If retained by new coach Steve Borthwick, who took over from Eddie Jones this winter, Simmonds will join the MHR at the end of this competition.
Conversely, England international hooker Luke Cowan-ie (29, 42 caps), who also played at Exeter, will not play next season in Montpellier, where he signed a pre-contract in December. Touched in the cervical, he did not satisfy the medical visit.
Montpellier, champion of France, occupies 10th place in the Top 14 two days before the end of the season.