Joe Simmonds will pinch himself before leading Exeter out for today’s Champions Cup final at Ashton Gate. The last time Chiefs were in Bristol for such a big match, Exeter did not even feature on the sporting map of Britain.
Now the city is 80 minutes from becoming rugby capital of Europe. Simmonds can still picture his 13-year old self watching Gareth Steenson kick Chiefs into the Premiership for the first time.
A decade on he is captain against France's Racing 92, with legend Steenson his understudy on the bench. “It’s crazy,” said the fly-half. “I was at the play-off final in 2010 as a fan.
It’s been an incredible ride.” And all the more special for the fact he is a local lad playing alongside his big brother, England No.8 Sam.
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