In what was initially a journey of uncertainty, leaving behind the familiar surroundings of Exeter Chiefs and his native Devon for the allure of French rugby, now, as he stands on the verdant pitch of Stade du Hameau, the gifted playmaker knows he has made the right decision.
The 27-year-old’s transition to life across the English Channel was not without its challenges initially. The language barrier seemed daunting, especially as he studied Spanish rather than French at secondary school. However, with the patient guidance of his team-mates, coaches and the locals, Simmonds now finds himself conversing in broken, but understandable French.
“To be fair, I’m quite lucky that a good group of the lads speak pretty good English,” said Simmonds. “It’s the same with the coaches. For me, though, you have to dive straight into it, which is what I’ve done. I feel kind of rude sometimes when the whole room is pretty much French and they’re explaining things in English just for me.
“Thankfully, people like Dan Robson, Sam Whitelock and Luke Whitelock help out as well. Luke actually speaks very good French, so it’s not too bad because you can fall back on those people if necessary. All the time, though, I’m learning more and more and it’s really helping me settle in.”
ãã®èšäºã¯ The Rugby Paper ã® April 21, 2024 çã«æ²èŒãããŠããŸãã
7 æ¥éã® Magzter GOLD ç¡æãã©ã€ã¢ã«ãéå§ããŠãäœåãã®å³éžããããã¬ãã¢ã ã¹ããŒãªãŒã8,500 以äžã®éèªãæ°èã«ã¢ã¯ã»ã¹ããŠãã ããã
ãã§ã«è³Œèªè ã§ã ?  ãµã€ã³ã€ã³
ãã®èšäºã¯ The Rugby Paper ã® April 21, 2024 çã«æ²èŒãããŠããŸãã
7 æ¥éã® Magzter GOLD ç¡æãã©ã€ã¢ã«ãéå§ããŠãäœåãã®å³éžããããã¬ãã¢ã ã¹ããŒãªãŒã8,500 以äžã®éèªãæ°èã«ã¢ã¯ã»ã¹ããŠãã ããã
ãã§ã«è³Œèªè ã§ã? ãµã€ã³ã€ã³
YOUNG GUNS
SEANKERR HARLEQUINS & ENGLAND U20 CENTRE
PGP deal is nothing but a waste of time
I CANâT help thinking that the new Professional Game Partnership (PGP) is nothing but a waste of time as I canât see how it is going to make any difference to how the game operates or how it will actually help clubs keep players and reduce the financial strain they are under.
Tries galore as Jake leads the Crusaders title party
WITH Dings stalwarts Charlie Taylor and Jake Holcombe reaching the milestones of 250 and 200 appearances respectively, the massive win over Camborne was a fitting end to the season.
It's title delight for the Titans!
ROTHERHAM Titans are the champions!
Lions survive as Patrick heroics seal late glory
THE final throws of the 2023-24 season saw Sale take on Leicester Lions at Heywood Road, with the visitors looking for a victory to ensure their survival.
35 years on and Tim's charity still full of hope
IF YOU believe rugby is the ultimate team sport â which I still do â it is tempting to superimpose all its many fine qualities into other team environments.
'Ireland in blue' will provide stiffest test
PHIL Dowson and Leo Cullen first crossed paths in European action 10 seasons ago when Northampton did something they had never done before nor since: beating Leinster in Dublin.
Cardiff left in a mess by lively Edinburgh
CARDIFFâS last appearance at the Arms Park this season ended miserably as Edinburgh picked up a valuable four points in their quest for an end of season playoff spot.
RED ROSES
MADDIE FEAUNATI EXETER CHIEFS BACK ROW
Sharks look to have edge in Diamond derby
SALE boss Alex Sanderson has thanked Steve Diamond, his opposite number at Newcastle, for giving him extra motivation to win what has been dubbed âthe Diamond derbyâ.