Nowell extends deal to stay at La Rochelle
JACK Nowell’s French connection is set to go on for a few more years yet, after the Cornishman this week put pen to paper on a contract extension that will keep him at La Rochelle until 2027.
The 30-year-old made the switch across the English Channel at the start of this season, bringing to an end a 12-year association with Exeter Chiefs.
As one of several high-profile departures from Sandy Park last summer, Nowell and his family have settled well into their new surroundings, both on and off the field.
“It’s been unbelievable,” said Nowell. “I don’t think the move could have gone any better. It’s different, of course it is, but the kids are getting more settled by the week, which is good, and they pretty much understand everything their teacher is saying to them. The words they do say, they’ve got the French accent on them, which is pretty mental!”
A happy life off the field, however, has merely helped to contribute to an equally enjoyable experience for Nowell in terms of his day job. Coming under the tutelage of Ronan O’Gara at the reigning European champions, the former England and Lions back has relished the challenge of the French Top 14.
“The boys you play with and against are certainly a lot bigger,” he joked. “It’s intense as you would expect, but it’s not too dissimilar from the Premiership. The challenge is there every week and you’re coming up against some of the best players in the world on a regular basis.
“The coaches here are class, I’m learning new things all the time, especially off Rog (O’Gara, below). Although he’s not played for a few years, he’s still got that link to the modern game, having been at Racing and the Crusaders, and he just knows how to bring the best out of the guys.
“I’ll be honest, coming in at the start of the season, I didn’t really know what to expect. All I had ever known was life at Exeter or when you were in camp with England. Coming here has really opened my eyes to certain things. There are things we do so well back home, but at the same time there are also things here that clubs could learn from which they do over here.
“Rog has created a brilliant culture and a lot of that is based around family life, which is brilliant for me, Zoe and the kids. As I said, we’re really enjoying the whole experience, especially as we’ve got through that tough, initial period when you are moving and just settling into things.”
Although a broken hand sustained against Perpignan curtailed part of Nowell’s seasonal plans, he’s now fighting fit once more and ready to play his part as La Rochelle look to defend their European crown, as well as attacking the play-offs of the Top 14.
“We had some big boys missing at the start of the season because of the World Cup and now with the Six Nations, but once we get that full squad back, I think we’ll be in a great position,” added Nowell. “Talking to the boys, they say it’s fine and that we’ll find our form.”
With Top 14 fixtures dominating the rest of the month for Nowell and La Rochelle, focus will quickly turn to their upcoming Investec Champions Cup trip to South Africa, where the Stormers will lie in wait on April 6.
Having featured in the last three European finals, winning the last two, Nowell knows the expectancy that comes from the club’s fanatical fan-base.
“Every week the place is packed out, I think we’ve gone over 100 games sold out,” said Nowell. “The fans are awesome and again that’s played a part in my decision to stay here.”