Chiefs open talks with Jack Nowell

Exeter Chiefs head coach Rob Baxter is hopeful of sorting out the future of England international Jack Nowell within the next few weeks.

Baxter has already opened talks with the talented 21-year-old over a new deal to keep him at Sandy Park.

Although under contract for the 2014/15 season, the Chiefs boss is keen for Nowell – who this week underwent surgery on his knee – follows the lead of fellow young guns Dave Ewers, Sam Hill and Luke Cowan-Dickie, all of whom have agreed new deals with the club in recent weeks.

“Jack’s been keen to get something formalised and we’re keen to do the same, so we’re in the end process of getting that sorted,” said Baxter. “We’re relatively close to getting a contract extension signed with Jack, which is fantastic.

“He’s had his operation this week then he’ll be in a pretty strong period of rehab to get himself back to do a full pre-season for the first time in a long time.” Nowell, who featured in all five of England’s Six Nations games this season, initially made his name as a youngster playing at full-back, but switched to the wing when he broke into the Chiefs’ first team.

He missed the start of the 2013-14 campaign because of his on-going knee issue, with a prolonged period of rest helping him play well enough to break into the England squad. Baxter hopes the operation Nowell had this week will mean he will be able to play even better in the future with less concern about his knees.

“Most professional sportsmen never have everything that is in perfect working order,” Baxter said. “Everyone has some management issues with parts of the body.

“What we’re hoping with the operation and the extended period of rehab, which is almost as important as anything as that sorted him out last season, will get him to a situation where there is less of a management issue with his knee.

“Every player at our club has their own rehab programme on certain parts of their body. Jack will always work on his knees, but it will hopefully get it to a level where that work he can do means he can function at a higher level than he’s able to at the moment.”

Pictures: Exeter Rugby Club/Pinnacle Photo Agency

Words: Mark Stevens