Rugby

Sam Simmonds makes shock Exeter exit for huge contract

England and Exeter number 8 Sam Simmonds is close to signing a huge contract with French side Montpellier, according to The Telegraph.

Their sources have revealed that the 27-year-old, who has scored 80 tries in 116 appearances for Exeter Chiefs, will join the current Top 14 champions as a replacement for Zach Mercer.

Simmonds is set to double his current earnings at Chiefs, who are unable to offer him a new deal due to salary cap constraints.

Mercer will sign with Gloucester ahead of the 2023/24 season, which makes him available to Eddie Jones for the upcoming Rugby World Cup.

With two England caps to his name – as well as 17 for England U20, including 10 as captain – Mercer has made a lasting impression in France over the past 12-months. 

With two England caps to his name – as well as 17 for England U20, including 10 as captain – Mercer has made a lasting impression in France over the past 12-months. 

Best 2023 Free Agents

RUCK has compiled a list of the best free agents available in 2023. Clubs will be able to negotiate with these players freely from January 2023.

#1. Maro Itoje

Japan’s Top League and Major League Rugby are hoping to lure England star Maro Itoje following the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

Final whistle celebrations for Maro Itoje of England Rugby after the Six Nations Championship match between England and Wales at Twickenham Stadium, Twickenham, London on February 26th 2021. – PHOTO: Phil Mingo/PPAUK

The England lock, who was linked with a move to the Top 14 when Saracens were relegated, would demand a huge salary plus bonuses, according to Racing 92 owner Jacky Lorenzetti.

Asked if Itoje wanted too much money, Lorezetti told rugbyrama.fr : “Yes, it was unpayable.

“You know, we weren’t the only ones at the time: Bordeaux, Lyon, Montpellier were all called upon. We were talking about a salary of over £1m plus bonuses.

“That represented 10 per cent of our payroll. We made the choice not to go any further. I think he doesn’t want to move, so they come out with ridiculous demands.”

CONTINUES ON PAGE TWO


The post Sam Simmonds makes shock Exeter exit for huge contract appeared first on Ruck.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.