Jack Nowell: ‘They look at you like you’re their hero with big smiles’
Jack Nowell has won some of rugby’s most prized trophies, including two Six Nations titles with England, multiple Premiership titles with Exeter Chiefs, and a Champions Cup in 2020. After achieving so much in England, he decided to take on a new challenge by joining Ronan O’Gara’s La Rochelle in France’s Top 14 in 2023.
Known for his cheeky spirit, Jack always brings fun and laughs to the team, something you can easily see from his upbeat social media posts and the positive energy he shares with teammates. Even at 33, his youthful energy makes it easy to forget he might be stepping into a more senior, mentoring role.
Though Jack denies feeling like an elder statesman, his actions tell a different story. While chatting with SPORTbible, he mentioned how he’s been taking on more responsibility in team talks and even helped guide the England Under 20s during their Six Nations campaign by sharing his experience.
He said, “Maybe others see me like that, but I still feel young and like I have a lot to learn. I don’t really see myself as a senior player, but sometimes you just have to step up. I speak more in meetings and huddles—not because I think I’m a leader, but because I want to win. I’m aware of the team’s mood and know when we need a push or when it’s time to ease off a bit. Here, I just want to do everything to help us win.”
Despite getting older, Jack’s love for rugby hasn’t faded. He still loves putting on the jersey, scoring tries, and feeling the roar of 18,000 fans at Stade Marcel-Deflandre. He knows his playing days are getting closer to an end but believes he can keep playing at a high level for at least four more years.
Jack shared, “A special moment for me now is looking up into the stands and seeing my kids waving. They probably have no idea what’s going on, but it’s amazing to see their smiles. It calms my nerves and reminds me why I play—for them. I want to give them the best life possible. But it also takes me back to when I played rugby just for fun with my friends. That’s why I always try to play with a smile. Win or lose, when I come home, my kids see me as their hero. They don’t care if I mess up; they just want to see me happy.”
He also mentioned the importance of family, especially during their early months in France when his kids struggled to settle in school, which was hard for him. But now, after several years, they feel at home on the Atlantic coast, with the whole family speaking much better French. In fact, his daughters often help Jack with his French sentences!
There’s been talk about Jack possibly returning to England, and he’s thought about it too. But as his contract in France runs until 2027, he may be looking to stay longer.
“I’d love to stay here. My family’s settled and happy, and I believe we can keep winning things,” he said. “But I know I’m getting older, and the club has to decide if they want to keep me or bring in younger players. For me, I want to keep playing, be first choice, and wear the number 14 shirt. I want to be on the field every week and give everything I’ve got. I’m not slowing down yet—my body feels great—and I’m focused on winning more.”