"Bidding war" - Maro Itoje set to become highest-paid player in the world after World Cup - Page 5 of 5 - Ruck

“Bidding war” – Maro Itoje set to become highest-paid player in the world after World Cup

#5. Jack Nowell

Nowell looks set to continue the English exodus from Exeter to France after Rob Baxter admitted he is planning for life without the Lions wing.

Reports today suggest he could join La Rochelle.

‘I’ve got to plan that Jack won’t be here because that’s the current situation,’ said Rob Baxter.

“The agreement we’ve got is that if I find a replacement player who I like the look of, we are going to sign them. Jack is aware of that. He is currently looking in the market.

“If he comes back to me prior to us signing anybody, we can talk. If he comes back after we sign someone who has replaced him and the salary-cap room is not there, then it’s not there. It is a very open scenario.

“I am assuming he is not here and I think he is assuming he’s going.”

Jack Nowell of Exeter Chiefs during the Gallagher Premiership match between Exeter Chiefs and Gloucester Rugby at Sandy Park, Exeter on 28th January 2023. Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK