Jack's Back and ready to shine
By Mark Stevens
26/11/19
Jack Nowell hopes his injury nightmare of the past six months is finally behind him after making an impressive return to competitive action with the Exeter Chiefs.
The Cornishman turned in a man-of-the-match display in Saturday’s Heineken Champions Cup victory over Glasgow Warriors on Saturday - a result which has put the Chiefs firmly in control of Pool Two after two rounds.
Nowell made his first start of the season in the 34-18 win against the Warriors, a week after he came off the bench in Exeter’s impressive European away win at La Rochelle.
Now, the 26-year-old is looking to kick on having endured what he describes as “one of the toughest periods” in his career.
It all started during June’s Gallagher Premiership Final against Saracens when he forced from the field during the second half with a serious ankle and knee injury. At the time it didn’t look great for the England and British Lions star, but he worked hard on his rehabilitation and was selected as part of Eddie Jones’ 32-man squad for the Rugby World Cup.
Although he didn’t feature in any of the warm-up fixtures ahead of the tournament in Japan, further woe struck Nowell during a training camp in Italy when he suffered a burst appendix.
Jones, however, stuck with Nowell, whose fighting spirits were finally rewarded when he was selected for the pool match against Argentina. Coming off the bench in Tokyo to score a try in England’s 39-10 victory.
It was stunning cameo, but nothing that Chiefs and England fans have not seen before from the talented back. However, Nowell sustained damage to his hamstring during that appearance and sadly he would not feature again for England, who eventually missed out on World Cup Final glory to South Africa.
As one of three Chiefs who formed part of England’s squad in the Far East, it was a tough pill to swallow following months of hard work and preparation. Now, though, Nowell is back at Sandy Park and he’s determined to make up for lost time.
"It's been a pretty frustrating five or six months for me, but I'm relieved to get back out there," he said. "Coming towards the end of my rehab each time, something seemed to happen.
“I got injured in the final, rehabbed well to get back, then my appendix burst. I got back from that, lost 10kg of weight, but finally put it back on. I was really excited to get back out for that Argentina game, but unfortunately my hamstring was a bit dodgy towards the end of that game.
"It was quite upsetting to finally get back fit, almost taking that step into a game and then getting injured again."
Nowell, however, is a determined character and it’s his willingness to get fit and back amongst the cut and thrust of the Premiership and Champions Cup that is driving him forward.
"There's always that drive to get back as you miss it when the boys are out there playing and you're watching. It’s up there as one of the toughest periods in my career. No rugby player likes to watch a team play when you can be part of it.
“As much as I love being out there with the boys in Japan and as much as I love being back here, it’s completely different when you’re not able to play or add something. You see the boys out there giving it all each week, so not to be able to give anything back to them is extremely frustrating.
“It’s tough, but touch wood I’m hopefully through it all now and I can enjoy my rugby again now.”
Certainly, Nowell appeared to show he is on the road to recovery against the Warriors. One piece of skill he produced second half to set-up team-mate Henry Slade for a try was described as ‘world class’ by Exeter’s Director of Rugby, Rob Baxter, at the final whistle.
“It’s always in the back of you mind, no matter how hard it is and the rehab and stuff, this is why you do it, this is why I want to be out there playing. You can look at it being tough, having to go out and play for 80 minutes, but for me it’s the reason I want to get fit and be out there with the boys.
“Again, if I was stood up in the boxes watching the game, I’d be even more frustrated, so to be out there and playing with them is pretty cool!”