Growing up in Teignmouth, Simmonds came on Exeter’s radar when he followed his brother, Exeter flanker Sam, by joining Ivybridge College.
Despite two struggling seasons in the AASE League for Ivybridge, Simmonds caught the eye of the Exeter academy coaches and was offered a contract in the summer of 2015.
Simmonds came through the club's academy system at Ivybridge Community College, and he's previously represented England at age group level, including the Under-20s in the Six Nations Championship.
The young fly-half emerged onto the big stage during the 2016/17 season, making his Exeter Chiefs debut in an Anglo-Welsh Cup tie at Harlequins.
Having started the season on dual-registered terms at National League One club Plymouth Albion, he would end the year having helped the Chiefs to reach not only the Anglo-Welsh Cup Final, but also the Aviva Premiership Final.
Simmonds was made captain of Exeter Chiefs in the Champions Cup when Exeter played Glasgow Warriors in round five of the Cup in January 2020.
He led Exeter on the pitch in the delayed final of the 2020 Champions Cup, becoming the youngest player to captain a side to victory in the final of the European Cup.
In December 2020, Simmonds was awarded an MBE for services to rugby union in the Queen's 2021 New Year Honours list.
(LS December 31, 2020)
Career
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Pau Fly Half |
2023 - present |
 |
England U20's Fly Half |
2016 - 2017 |
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Exeter Chiefs Fly Half |
2016 - 2023 |
