Jack Nowell training with Championship club as Top 14 future takes fresh twist

Sunday, 19 July 2026 at 13:56

bySteven Smith

Jack Nowell has been training with Championship side Cornish Pirates despite remaining under contract with French club La Rochelle until 2027.

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The 46-cap England international, who came through the ranks at Pirates before starring for Exeter Chiefs, was recently back at his former club, prompting plenty of interest among supporters.

However, any hopes of a fairytale return to Cornwall appear premature.

According to RugbyPass, La Rochelle are keen to keep hold of the experienced back beyond his current deal, with the Top 14 side preparing to open discussions over a further contract extension.

Nowell joined the French outfit in 2023 after helping Exeter Chiefs to Premiership and Champions Cup glory and has gone on to score 17 tries in 37 appearances.

His appearance at Cornish Pirates was understood to be a training stint rather than an indication of an imminent move, although it inevitably reignited speculation over whether the former England winger could one day return to the English game.

For now, though, La Rochelle appear determined to secure his long-term future, with RugbyPass reporting the French club are already looking at extending his stay despite him already being tied to the club until 2027.

Cornwall hero on and off the pitch

Nowell's popularity in Cornwall extends far beyond his achievements on the rugby field.

Earlier this year, the former England winger became one of the owners of The Swordfish Inn in Newlyn, near Penzance. The traditional Cornish pub is a well-known local landmark overlooking the harbour, and Nowell said he wanted to help preserve a venue that sits at the heart of the community.

QUICKFIRE STATS:

1. He won his first England cap before turning 21

Jack Nowell made his England debut against New Zealand in 2014 after a rapid rise at Exeter Chiefs. He went on to earn 46 Test caps and featured at two Rugby World Cups.

2. He's a British & Irish Lion

One of the biggest honours of his career came in 2017 when he was selected for the British & Irish Lions tour of New Zealand, making three Test appearances against the All Blacks.

3. He has a Premiership and Champions Cup double

In 2020, Jack Nowell helped Exeter Chiefs complete one of the greatest seasons in English club rugby history by winning both the Premiership and the European Champions Cup.