Former England star reveals why he REJECTED call-up from Steve Borthwick

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The ex-European Player of the Year has not featured for England since the unexpected announcement that he would not be available for last year's World Cup.

Simmonds, who was then with Exeter, informed head coach Steve Borthwick that he did not want to be considered for selection as he prepared for his move to Montpellier.

Despite delivering standout performances for Exeter in the latter stages of last year's Champions Cup, Simmonds has struggled to make his mark at the international level since Borthwick took over from Eddie Jones late last year.

With the challenging task of moving his family to France looming, he turned down the call-up, a decision he has now shed light on.

 “As much I loved playing for my country, and all that came with that, I never really felt I fitted in," revealed Simmonds.

“That’s not with the other boys. That’s just, I dunno, something I’ve always felt.

“So [come the World Cup training camp] I thought to myself: ‘Am I going to put myself through this?

“‘And if I don’t feel I want to go and throw myself into this 100%, am I really giving myself the best chance anyway?’”

He added: "“I just didn’t think I could make it work,

“I didn’t think I was prepared for everything that went with it. I thought about it the whole off-season, from the moment the season finished with Exeter until I spoke to Steve [Borthwick].

“Ultimately, I really wanted to get out to Montpellier and have a new start. Move my family into our new home and into French life, start at my new club rather than come late.

“That was the decision I made, and to be honest, I actually don’t feel like I regret that.”

Read Simmonds full interview with Alex Spink for Planet Rugby here

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