Former England number 8 Sam Simmonds set for shock transfer
04/23/2025 04:32 AM
According to French outlet Midi Olympique, England powerhouse Sam Simmonds has completed his latest transfer — trading Montpellier for Lyon when his current deal wraps up this summer.
Competition: Get a Chance to Watch the Lions in Australia
The 29-year-old former Exeter Chiefs star is currently in his second season in France and, by the looks of it, won't be heading back to the Premiership any time soon.
Out with Simmonds, in with a Wallaby?
As Simmonds packs his bags for Lyon ahead of the 2025/26 campaign, Montpellier have been on the hunt for a new wrecking ball at number eight — and it looks like they've found their man Down Under.
Reports from Rugbyrama suggest the Top 14 side have secured a deal for rising Wallaby star Langi Gleeson, who's expected to join the club after next season.
French adventure beckons for Gleeson
The 23-year-old back-rower has been a standout for the Waratahs since making his Super Rugby Pacific debut in 2022. He featured off the bench in all four of Australia's Autumn Nations Series matches last year, facing off against England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland.
Now, he's set to put his 14-cap Test career on hold for a shot at the French Top 14 with Montpellier.
What they said
"There will be changes in the back row at Montpellier during the next off-season," claimed Rugbyrama. "Joan Caudullo and his staff should be able to count on the services of Langi Gleeson during the 2025/2026 season.”
“The player who currently wears the colours of the Waratahs has given his agreement to give a new boost to his career and discover the French championship."
What's next?
Gleeson is expected to slot straight into the eight jersey vacated by Simmonds, as Montpellier continue their rebuild under former Bath and Springbok assistant coach Gary Gold.
EDITORS PICKS:
- England assistant coach quit to join international rivals with immediate effect
- Wales finally replace Warren Gatland after mid-Six Nations departure
- England's Forgotten Man Set for Stunning Comeback Eight Years On
- All Blacks legend Richie McCaw names his top 5 opponents of all time
- Angry Nigel Owens calls for ban after France stars football-style flop
Three England Stars Who Could Lose Their Central Contracts
Last October, England handed out 17 enhanced Elite Player Squad (EPS) contracts as part of the shiny new Professional Game Partnership deal.
It gave head coach Steve Borthwick more control than ever, including the final word on all sports science and medical matters.
Among the big winners were George Ford, Marcus Smith and Fin Smith – all three fly-halves receiving upgraded deals ahead of the autumn internationals.
But fast forward six months, and not all those golden ticket holders are sitting pretty. We take a look at three players who could be on the chopping block ahead of the next round of central contract decisions.
#1. Henry Slade – The Class Act Losing His Place
Slade's silky style has long made him a favourite with fans – but his Six Nations was anything but smooth. Once pencilled in as a midfield maestro, he now finds himself completely out of Borthwick's 23.
His combination with Ollie Lawrence never quite clicked, and although there were flickers of promise, it wasn’t enough to convince the coaches. Slade was ultimately cast aside in favour of Fraser Dingwall, and now his England future – and his central contract – looks seriously uncertain.
Possible replacement: Fraser Dingwall
The mid-Six Nations switch that saw him take Slade’s place has given Dingwall a solid opportunity to make a real push for a long-term role in the squad. A gritty and intelligent player, he's an ideal fit in the centre and could continue his rise with consistent performances.
CONTINUES ON PAGE TWO
The post Former England number 8 Sam Simmonds set for shock transfer appeared first on Ruck.
