England hopeful dubbed ‘special talent’ by Sir Ian McGeechan is now exiled and capless

Scoring over 200 points for his new club this season, Simmonds, brother to the esteemed number 8 Sam, has kicked his team to seventh in the table in the incedible competitive Top 14.

In his Exeter days, Simmonds steered the team to triumphs in both the 2020 European Champions Cup and Premiership, earning himself an MBE for his contributions.

Sir Ian McGeechan, assessing the cream of the crop among young players worldwide in 2020, shared his thoughts on Simmonds, stating, "Probably the closest of the English players on this list to an international call-up."

"Simmonds has quietly become an excellent fly-half with consistently good decision-making," McGeechan observed, emphasizing Simmonds' ability to excel under pressure. He added, "His kicking is incredibly accurate – there was a stage before Christmas when he was 26/26 in all competitions."

McGeechan also commended the coaching setup around Simmonds, noting the influence of figures like Rob Baxter and Ali Hepher. Reflecting on his Northampton days, McGeechan remarked, "I know well and really rate [them]."

McGeechan said: "I know his father well, so I have followed Cameron's career fairly closely. I like what I see. Tall, rangy, more of a centre than a 10."

McGeechan said: "Jacobson is an all-rounder who captained the Junior All Blacks to victory at the World Rugby Under-20 Championship in 2017 - a powerful ball-carrier and support player with a real presence on the field."

McGeechan said: "Another one off the Leinster independent schools production line (Blackrock College) and one of the standout No 8s in this season's Champions Cup."

McGeechan said: "“I have watched a lot of him. He never looks flustered on the ball, which is the hallmark of a great player and he has been in and around the England squad without yet being capped.”

McGeechan said: "You cannot put a price on outright pace. Rees-Zammit has it in abundance, and, combined with his finishing ability, you begin to understand why the hype surrounding him has been so intense. Definitely a possible Lion."