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Major plot twist in Sam Simmonds club tug-of-war

Sam Simmonds of Exeter Chiefs looks on prior to the Gallagher Premiership Rugby match between Exeter Chiefs and Bristol Bears at Sandy Park on April 22, 2023 in Exeter, England. (Photo by Ryan Hiscott/Getty Images)

Lyon are ready to throw a spanner in Pau’s plans to reunite former England No.8. Sam Simmonds with his younger brother Joe at the Stade du Hameau next season.

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Simmonds looks set to leave Montpelier when his contract runs out at the end of the season following the arrival of 2019 World Cup runner-up Billy Vunipola from Saracens in the summer.

Montpellier, who are again struggling in the Top 14 this season after losing four of their opening six games, also need to reduce the number of non-Jiff players on their books.

Simmonds, 29, is in the second and final year of his contract with Montpellier but is believed to have an option for a third season which is looking increasingly unlikely to be taken up.

Pau were keen on signing the former England and Lions star earlier this summer before Montpellier won their battle against relegation, and it is understood he would jump at the chance to join his sibling.

The pair were part of the Exeter Chiefs Premiership and Champions Cup double-winning side in 2020, and Joe has already signed a three-year extension to his contract this season.

Simmonds broke the Premiership record for tries in a season in 2021, scoring 83 tries in 123 appearances for the Chiefs, but hasn’t been able to cross the whitewash as freely since he moved to the Top 14.

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He is waiting for his first try in the four appearances that he has made this season and only scored four last season, including one in a Challenge Cup victory against Newcastle Falcons at Kingston Park.

Lyon, who are fourth in the Top 14 table, are ready to make Simmonds, the Premiership Player of the Season four years ago, an offer as they look to tempt him into thinking twice about a switch to Pau.

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JW 8 hours ago
Why NZR's Ineos settlement may be the most important victory they'll enjoy this year

It really all depends of how much overseas players would be paid (by NZR) to play for the All Blacks. I’ve not heard a peep on this front from any author suggesting it’s a good idea.


If it’s nothing (a player gets his weekly paycheck from the club and thats it (which we know is definitely not the case in Ireland and France, or SA even I think?), then maybe it would retain more SR level players given that they’ll be getting the “AB” component (which is about where things stand, Burke for instance would have had to had his Sader contract upgraded to an AB one (think above Pero levels) to be on similar money.


I’d having to imagine if a player is getting paid to do nothing over the international windows though, they are going to want to get paid extra for appear for the ABs, so in this situation, it’s hard to see many players being retained, yes.


I’m pretty sure they flew to Japan and met in person.


I’ve heard/had these discussions numerous times. I don’t think theres anyway to judge the interest that would be retain in SR. For one, it might be a more entertaining league as a result, as the JRLO is compared to Europe, despite it obviously being a lesser standard.


If SRP is of a lesser standard and now able to use Japanese and American players to bolster teams, perhaps those markets more than make up for the downturn in NZ and Aus? Perhaps it gives NZR flexibility to create a more fit for purpose interdomestic competition, and interest actually increases? All you might need is a proper pathway from school to pro?


Razor asked NZR to keep an open mind. Did NZR answer any of these questions to themself?

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