FORMER Teignmouth fly-half Joe Simmonds has been included in the New Year’s Honours after leading the Exeter Chiefs to domestic and European glory.

The 24-year-old, pictured right, skippered the side as they won a first ever European Champions Cup – kicking all four of his conversions and an 81st-minute penalty in the 31-27 final victory over Racing 92.

He also pulled the strings in the 19-13 Premiership final victory over Wasps, slotting all four of his penalties and converting Henry Slade’s try as the Chiefs secured an historic double.

In recognition of this achievement, Simmonds and Chiefs director of rugby Rob Baxter were given an MBE and an OBE respectively.

‘I’m really happy,’ Simmonds told club media. ‘Obviously it’s a huge honour, and it’s a proud moment not just for me but for my family as well.

‘It hasn’t quite sunk in yet, but it’s an honour to receive it.’

Simmonds admitted that at first he thought his teammates may have been playing a prank on him.

‘I had an email in mid-November I think and I kind-of just pushed it to the side – I’m not very good with emails anyway,’ he said.

‘In mid-December I got an email that was urgent so I read that and I was notified at that moment.

‘I thought it was a bit of a taking the mickey from the players, but it was real.’

‘When I first read the email I was a bit like “why me?” Obviously I was lucky enough to captain the side for the two finals but without the whole squad here, 67 players or whatever it is, we wouldn’t be able to achieve what we achieved.

‘It’s a bit unfair that only one person can get it. I think the whole team deserves it.’

The No. 10 was metronomic with the kicking tee in 2020, missing just 10 of his 101 attemps throughout the calendar year – sending 77 conversions and 14 penalties between the uprights.

Russell Sowden, chairman of Simmonds’ former club Teignmouth RFC, said: ‘All of us at Teignmouth Rugby Club are delighted to see our local hero and past player, Joe Simmonds, become a Member of the British Empire!

‘I’m sure he will point to the contribution his teammates have made but this is an individual award reflecting what he has achieved already.

‘Last year was a year to forget for many but it has been an amazing one for all those connected to Exeter Chiefs and the Simmonds brothers. I’m sure there are many more to come.’