Analyst from Porthcawl who slept in his car for six months remembers incredible career
Simon Norris, a rugby analyst from Porthcawl, sits down with Peter Ryan to reflect on his career in rugby and pick his all-time XV.
“I actually slept in my car for six months.”
Simon Norris’ story is one of commitment and the pursuit of purpose, the relentless drive to achieve a dream.
What began as a dream has carried Norris to silverware, lasting memories, and the chance to share the game with world-class talent.
A rugby analyst from the shores of Porthcawl, Norris arrived in the rugby world relatively late. Still, he has made quite an impact, from a Premiership title with the Exeter Chiefs under Rob Baxter to working with Pat Lam at Ashton Gate.
Chapters have been written on both sides of the boarder, and along the way he has built a wealth of knowledge. It’s no wonder he has crossed paths with the game’s greats.
As the conversation unfolded, Norris revealed his ultimate XV, a line-up filled with world-class talent. But assembling greatness is never simple, and every choice came with debate.
Simon Norris’ All-Time XV
- Ben Moon
- Luke Cowan-Dickie
- John Afoa
- Dean Mumm
- Geoff Parling
- Ted Hill
- Ben White
- Sam Simmonds
- Nic White
- Fin Smith / Gareth Steenson
- Duhan van der Merwe
- Semi Radradra
- Henry Slade
- George North
- Jack Nowell
Coaches
Head Coach: Rob Baxter
Attack Coach: Pat Lam
Defence Coach: Omar Mouneimne
Lineout Coach: Jonathan Thomas
Scrum Coach: Robin Cowling
Breaking down the forwards
The pack is littered with international players. The foundation lies in the front row: Ben Moon, Luke Cowan-Dickie, and John Afoa, all quality operators. Cowan-Dickie has established himself as one of the more consistent hookers in the game today, and Norris talks about what makes him so special.
“Luke is exactly the type of player you want to go into battle with,” he says.
“You know he will never let you down. He would die for the cause, an exceptional competitor. He also has a decent arm on him, and is not afraid to get stuck in, chop people down, and put his body on the line.
“He is the kind of player you hate playing against but love having on your team, so maybe he does go a bit under the radar. He gets on with his job.”
In the second row are Dean Mumm and Geoff Parling, who are as experienced as it gets in the engine room. The back row have all gone on to fantastic things in rugby.
Ben White has a special place in Norris’s heart, and for good reason.
“Ben White is another interesting one,” Norris reveals.
“I lived with him for six years. When I first went to Exeter, I was barely earning enough and actually slept in my car for six months. No one knew.
“Ben found out and offered me a place to stay for free, which says everything about him as a person.
“On the field, he had freakishly long arms, which made him great in the line-out. A very underrated player.”
He has a highly experienced pack, but he has also worked with players who create an electrifying backline.
The backs
Fly-half is where the toughest choice came for Norris. He has seen Fin Smith rise through the ranks at Worcester and has warm memories of Gareth Steenson lighting up Sandy Park. It was a difficult decision to say the least.
“At 10, it is such a tough position,” Norris explains.
“Fin Smith is one, and then someone like Gareth Steenson with an exceptional kicking game. I remember Smith at 18; he would stand up in team meetings and confidently present game plans to players in their 30s.
“You could tell he was special, really special. The best 10s see things others do not. They make the right decisions under pressure more often than not, and they are tough as well, even if they do not always look it.”
Some players need no introduction. Norris’s backline selections of Semi Radradra, Henry Slade, and George North speak volumes.
“Then you have players like Semi Radradra,” Norris adds.
“What a player, powerful, skilful, and a great person too. A true team player, he did things he did not have to and was always willing to help.
“Henry Slade is an exceptional talent. I lived with him when he was 18. A brilliant player, probably unlucky not to have even more recognition. His kicking game is phenomenal, and he reads the game so well.
“George North. I worked with him at 15, and you could tell straight away he was different. Not just physically, but mentally. He really wanted to learn and improve, which is not always common at that age.”
Of course, a rugby team is not just about the players on the pitch, and Norris has crossed paths with fantastic coaches.
Rob Baxter
The coach who gave Norris his chance is Rob Baxter, and Norris speaks very highly of him.
“As for coaches, Rob Baxter would be my head coach. He gave me my chance in rugby. He is honest, resilient, and built Exeter on strong values and good people.
“The best head coaches create leaders within the team. When players repeat your messages when you are not there, that is when you know it is working.”
The words “honest” and “resilient” stand out because they sum up how Norris goes about his business. Years of experience and proven success have forged an analyst whose voice carries real weight. When he speaks, it comes from a place of knowledge earned and tested.
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