Former England star Jack Nowell became a hometown hero after helping buy his childhood local pub and giving the famous Cornish venue a new lease of life.
The former Exeter Chiefs winger grew up in Newlyn, Cornwall, and has always maintained a strong connection with the area despite reaching the very top of rugby.
In 2018, Nowell teamed up with brothers Mark and Nick George to buy The Swordfish Inn, a well-known pub overlooking Newlyn harbour.
It was a particularly personal investment for the England international.
Nowell had visited the pub with his father when he was growing up and remembered it being at the heart of the local community.
“I remember being down there as a kid with my dad and I just remember it being so rammed and seeing everyone like a family,” he previously explained.
However, Nowell watched the pub become quieter over the years and eventually decided to get involved himself.
Once his rugby career put him in a position to invest, he joined forces with the George brothers, who already had experience running pubs in Cornwall.
Nowell said his ambition was simple: “I’m trying to build it slowly into what it used to be like.”
From Newlyn to England
Nowell's journey makes the story even more remarkable.
He went from growing up in the Cornish fishing town to winning 46 caps for England and representing the British & Irish Lions.
The winger also became an Exeter Chiefs legend, helping the club win both the Premiership and Champions Cup.
Despite his success, Nowell has remained closely connected to his roots.
He eventually left Exeter for French giants La Rochelle in 2023, beginning a new chapter overseas.
However, his investment back home means his connection with Newlyn remains strong.
For locals who watched him progress from Cornwall to the international stage, Nowell's decision to put money back into a place he remembered from childhood only strengthened his reputation as one of the town's favourite sporting sons.
