A second club has entered the race to sign former England number 8 Sam Simmonds

Sam Simmonds, a key figure in Exeter Chiefs’ Premiership and Champions Cup-winning campaign in 2020, is currently in the second and final year of his contract with Montpellier, though there is believed to be an option for a third season.

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Pau had previously shown interest in Simmonds over the summer before Montpellier narrowly avoided relegation. With uncertainty surrounding Simmonds' future at the club, Pau are expected to reignite their efforts to sign him if the option for a third season is not exercised.

However, reports from Rugby Pass indicate that Lyon, currently fourth in the Top 14 standings, are also prepared to make an offer to Simmonds. Lyon, looking to strengthen their squad, may tempt the former Premiership Player of the Season to reconsider a move to Pau.

Unfortunately for England fans, no Premiership clubs seem to be in the running to sign Simmonds at the moment, but as with any transfer saga, things can change rapidly.

Simmonds has not played for England since making the surprising decision to withdraw from international duty ahead of the 2023 Rugby World Cup. In an interview with Planet Rugby, he revealed the reasons behind his choice, stating he didn’t feel he truly “fitted in” at the international level.

“As much as I loved playing for my country, I never really felt I fitted in,” Simmonds said. “So, when the World Cup training camp came around, I asked myself: ‘Am I going to put myself through this if I’m not 100% in it?’”

Simmonds acknowledged the mental and physical toll of England duty, admitting that he wasn’t fully prepared for the rigorous demands of the pre-season camp, especially given the uncertainty of making the final squad.

“I didn’t think I was prepared for everything that went with it,” he explained. “I thought about it the whole off-season.”

Instead, Simmonds chose to focus on his new adventure in Montpellier, moving his family to France and embracing life in the Top 14. Reflecting on his decision, he said: “I really wanted a fresh start. To be honest, I don’t regret that decision.”

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From high-profile marriages to lucrative endorsements and television appearances, these rugby stars have built financial empires.

Here’s a look at three couples who have combined their sporting legacies with fame and fortune, amassing millions along the way.

Mike Tindall is known not just for his rugby prowess but for his royal connections. As the husband of Zara Phillips, the granddaughter of Queen Elizabeth II, Tindall has become a prominent figure in British media.

Nicknamed “The Fridge” due to his imposing physique, Tindall was a stalwart on the rugby field, famously breaking his nose at least eight times over the course of his career. Since retiring from the sport, he’s made a name for himself in the entertainment world, appearing on popular reality shows such as I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here, Bear Grylls: Mission Survive, The Jump, Shark Cage, Celebrity Poker Club, and All-Star Poker Challenge

Despite his success in sports and entertainment, Tindall’s wealth has been largely bolstered by his royal ties, with his net worth estimated at £20 million, according to British media.

Jonny Wilkinson is a legendary figure in English rugby, with a career spanning 12 seasons at Newcastle Falcons before his move to French club Toulon in 2009. Wilkinson cemented his place in history by leading England to victory in the 2003 Rugby World Cup, becoming a national hero in the process.

In his personal life, Wilkinson has kept a lower profile. He married his long-time girlfriend, Shelley Jenkins, in a private ceremony on the French Riviera in October 2013. The couple now has a son, reportedly named James, and maintain a relatively private family life. Wilkinson's net worth stands at £22 million, making him one of rugby's wealthiest figures.

Sonny Bill Williams is a sporting icon from New Zealand, famed not only for his rugby achievements but also for his ventures into boxing. Known for his versatility, Williams has excelled in both rugby union and rugby league, playing as a centre and second-rower, respectively. Additionally, his brief yet successful stint in professional boxing saw him win nine out of 10 heavyweight bouts.

In 2013, Williams married Alana Raffie after a whirlwind four-week romance, following Islamic traditions despite admitting that they were not in love at the time. Their union has since become one of the most talked-about in sports. With a combination of earnings from rugby, boxing, and endorsements, the couple's net worth is reported to be around £20 million.