Finishing as the Top 14’s leading points scorer is something Joe Simmonds has developed a taste for. In an interview with RugbyPass, Section paloise’s English fly-half, winner of the trophy in each of his first two seasons in France, says that holding on to his crown is one of his ambitions for the start of the season.

“From the second season, it absolutely became a target for me. Lots of people, friends and family talk to me about it and regularly check where I am in the standings. I love that kind of challenge and yes, I admit it, every year I’m going to want to win that trophy!”

Last year, Joe Simmonds went toe to toe with Vannes’ Maxime Lafage, finishing just two points ahead of him. Who will be the main threat to him this season? The former Exeter man was happy to play the predictions game. “Thomas Ramos is always in the mix but he also plays a lot with France so he’ll miss matches. Maybe Leo Berdeu, who scores a lot with Lyon. And maybe Tommaso Allan (Perpignan) too.”