Those who know him well will attest to the calm way that he's reacted to the rapid progression of his rugby career and will not be surprised to hear how he's still got time to pay tribute to his Gloucester team mate who was released from the squad this week.
"It was really unfortunate for Sinbad, I really feel for him, not having the opportunity to show what he was capable of, but unfortunately that's the way it is.
"I was his room mate and it was great having him around when I came, because not only is he one of my peers and someone that I look up to at Gloucester, it was really good having him around here, to talk to when I first came and when I didn't know anyone.
"He helped me settle in and he really looked after me so I was pretty sad to see him go. I said to him at the start, 'I'd love to see you go to the World Cup Jamie', and I think he deserved to, but again, these decisions aren't mine to make and I'm going to have a biased opinion.
"That decision was based on the eight weeks' training we've had though, and unfortunately he had a few knocks and he was unlucky to have been kept out of a few of the important training weeks.
"I rang him and asked him if he was coming back, and he said no. He just said 'good luck, I hope you get a run'. I've spoken to him since the team was announced, and he wished me luck.
"Despite the fact we were competing for the same position he would always be ready to give me advice, competition does not mean you have to get an edge over people by underhand tactics.
"Obviously he was unlucky with that, but he would still always help other people. He gave me some good advice before the trial game, and that's invaluable from someone who has been around as long as he has."
Perversely, the bad luck that Simpson-Daniel has suffered at international level may well make Sharples make the most of his time in the England squad and appreciate it all the more.
"I feel like I've done ok, obviously I've still got a lot to work on and this isn't the end of my journey as a player, it's just the beginning.
"There's plenty to work on but I feel like I've slotted in and haven't felt out of my depth and haven't felt out of place, so that's been positive.
"I feel like I've performed in the environment, and now there's another step at the weekend.
"If I get a chance then I've just got to play my natural game and do the things I do week in, week out at Gloucester.
"It probably won't sink in until after the game to be honest, I won't be able to think much about the game and the occasion on the day, because the focus will be totally on the game.
"I haven't really thought about the whole occasion because I've been so focused on the training and everything that goes with that.
"I've just got to let it unfold as it does, take it all in and do my best."
