Joe Simmonds, Exeter, says he wants to get over some bad seasons.
Simmonds (25), led the Chiefs in a Premiership and European double for 2020. But Exeter came in seventh last season.
Simmonds stated that “in the past two years I’ve probably let my self down a bit with how I have been performing,” BBC Sport.
“I want to let everything behind me and move on to become this new player.”
Simmonds, who has suffered injuries to Josh Hodge (Stuart Hogg) and Josh Hodge (Fly-half), will be starting at fullback in the first two league games of this season.
He did manage to score a try against Worcester last week, and he also performed well against Leicester. His coaches were impressed with his performance as an Exeter side that looks to have rediscovered their form that led them to six consecutive Premiership finals.
Simmonds was the focal point of much of Exeter’s successful Covid-19 delayed season in 2020.
His impeccable kicking helped him to his side beat Wasps for the domestic title, His late penalty was a guarantee victory over Racing 92 In a European final, which also earned him an MBE.
Simmonds was the younger brother of England forward Sam in the weeks and subsequent months.
He said, “I probably placed too much pressure upon myself coming off of that.”
“It’s normal. You would probably get that pressure. But, looking back, it likely hindered me.
“But now I’m just enjoying rugby. I’ve been playing rugby since I was a child. I know it’s a game, and I just have to keep up with the demands of my sport week in, week out. I try to just enjoy my rugby and not worry about the future.
Simmonds’ recent move from full-back to temporary has allowed him to demonstrate his skills with the ball in his hand, as demonstrated by his try against Worcester on Sunday.
“I’ve played a few games there over the years, but I really enjoy it. I’m getting the ball in my hands a lot more in space,” he said.
“We have changed the way we attack Exeter. We had a long preseason that saw a lot of changes.
“So, for me, whether I play at full-back or 10 I find it very similar. I try my best to do my best in whatever position I am put into but this new shape seems to be helping my game right now.”