England wonderkid dubbed ‘special talent’ by Sir Ian McGeechan is now starring in France

In a stunning turn of events, English flyhalf Joe Simmonds, once forgotten in the realms of international rugby, has risen to prominence as the leading scorer in the highly competitive Top 14. The talented 26-year-old has been showcasing his skills with new club Pau in the French top flight, leaving spectators in awe of his prowess on the field.

Simmonds, who had fallen off the selection radar for England, made a bold move across the channel, and it has paid off handsomely. Currently sitting in second place on the table, Pau has found a gem in Simmonds, who has accumulated an impressive tally of 77 points.

The flyhalf's scoring spree includes an astounding 17 penalties and 13 conversions, solidifying his position at the summit of the league's scoring charts. Pau, holding firm in second place with 22 points, is neck-and-neck with league leaders Stade Francais, with both teams having played six highly contested games in the Top 14.

Even back in 2020, the legendary Sir Ian McGeechan recognized Simmonds' potential, 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 and plays well under pressure."

McGeechan also praised Simmonds' incredible accuracy in kicking, highlighting a period before Christmas when he achieved a flawless 26/26 record in all competitions

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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."