Former Exeter Chiefs winger Jack Nowell, renowned for his exceptional career in rugby, has recently been unveiled as the latest signing for the esteemed Top 14 heavyweight side, La Rochelle.
This exciting development marks a significant chapter in Nowell’s journey, having spent an impressive 12 years honing his skills at the esteemed Premiership outfit, Exeter Chiefs.
Throughout his illustrious career, Nowell has made a name for himself as an outstanding winger, showcasing his remarkable talent and prowess on the rugby field.
During his tenure at Exeter Chiefs, Nowell played an instrumental role in the club’s rise to prominence. He was an integral part of the team that clinched multiple titles, including the Champions Cup.
Nowell’s decision to embark on a new chapter in his career by joining La Rochelle signifies his ambition to explore fresh challenges and make a mark in the highly competitive Top 14 league. This move demonstrates the confidence placed in Nowell’s abilities by La Rochelle, a team widely regarded as one of the heavyweights in European rugby.
As the reigning Champions Cup holders, La Rochelle provides Nowell with an opportunity to showcase his skills on a grand stage and compete against some of the finest rugby talent in the world. With his wealth of experience and undeniable talent, Nowell is poised to make a significant impact on his new team’s success and contribute to their pursuit of further achievements in the Top 14 league and beyond.
“Deciding to leave the Chiefs was one of the hardest positions I have ever been in,” Nowell said after his final game for Exeter in May.
“But, if I’m honest, during the Covid times, the club decided to look after us and our families, and like we are seeing with every Premiership club, there comes a time when wage does come into it.
“A lot of the other clubs got hit during Covid, and for us as a club, we are being hit now. I have got a growing family, and I have got to put them first at times. That is what made it so hard to leave Chiefs; how much I love the club, I love the coaches, I love everything about it, but I have got to look after my family.
“My family is growing, and for me it was my time to take that pay cut. [But] was it the right time for my family [to take a pay cut]? Certainly not.”
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EXETER’S FIVE SIGNINGS FOR NEXT SEASON
#1. Will Haydon-Wood
Heading to Sandy Park ahead of the 2023/24 season is former Newcastle Falcons and Wasps fly-half, Will Haydon-Wood, who will join the Gallagher Premiership club from French Pro D2 side, Massy Esonne.
The 22-year-old playmaker is no strange to English rugby’s top-flight and his addition is another boost for the Chiefs, who have already confirmed the arrivals of Joe Hawkins and Ethan Roots from the Ospreys.
“It’s a really exciting move for me,” said the former England Under-20s international. “Obviously, I’ve come up against the Chiefs in the past and I know how much of a force they have become, not just within the English game, but also across Europe as well.
“Talking with Rob [Baxter] he’s outlined the vision of the club and how they are in the process of building a new and exciting, young squad. Listening to what he had to say and with the players they have at the club, it was a pretty easy decision in the end.”
Having started this season at Wasps following a number of years at the Falcons, Haydon-Wood was forced to look for new employment last October when the Midlands club were forced to withdraw from all competitions following the collapse of the former English and European champions.