Charlie Simmonds: Stoma Surgery, Siam Cup Glory & Facing Poland

The Rugby Paper Podcast · Sep 3, 2026 · 18m

Today I was delighted to be joined by Guernsey Raider’s dead-eye fly-half Charlie Simmonds! Charlie’s remarkable story stood out to me as his journey to the number ten shirt was quite different to many other players. Diagnosed with ulcerative colitis whilst at university, Charlie spent years managing the condition before eventually undergoing surgery to have his colon removed. The operation left him with a stoma bag however it has not diminished his enthusiasm for rugby and with his impressive skillset Charlie helped Gurnsey Raiders this year to retain one of rugby’s oldest ever trophies; the…