TEIGNMOUTH rugby player Sam Simmonds has been included in the England squad for the coming internationals.

The 22-year-old has been receiving rave reviews over his recent performances for Exeter Chiefs, scoring tries freely, and was widely tipped by pundits as a future England player.

‘He is absolutely over the moon, and the whole family and friends are so pleased for him. It is also great news for Teignmouth,’ said dad Dave Simmonds.

Simmonds started playing rugby with the Teignmouth juniors and progressed to the 1st XV along with brother Joe. Their talent was soon spotted by the Chiefs, who snapped them up.

England coach Eddie Jones has been monitoring their progress, and now there is every chance that the older Simmonds could achieve a full cap.

Simmonds comes from a well-known rugby and fishing family – dad Dave and uncle Rob both played for Teignmouth and Devon.

Simmonds can play anywhere in the back row, and tonight he has been picked at number seven openside for the Chiefs game at Sale.