Exeter backs Jack Nowell
Exeter is behind Jack Nowell as he represents the city in his England debut this afternoon.
Prominent voices from around the city have come forward to offer their support of the 20-year-old Nowell Chiefs Player, after he was named as England’s starting wing for their opening Six Nations game against France on Saturday.
Nowell, described as a “Natural rugby player” by Chiefs head coach Rob Baxter came Exeter academy system which has also produced a number of top-quality players such as Dave Ewers, Henry Slade and centre Sam Hill.
Among Nowell’s supporters is Exeter’s MP Ben Bradshaw, who said: "Jack's success is a huge source of pride for Exeter and the wider South West.
“It's fantastic to see a young player like him come up through our local club and represent his country. It'll be a great foretaste for and prelude to our hosting of the world cup here in Exeter next year."
Proprietor of regular Chiefs haunt, Jack in the Green, Paul Parnell , added his support: “He’s just such a humble guy. He’s worked really hard and in my opinion totally deserves this opportunity.
“We’re with him all the way.”
Nowell joins a relatively untested backline for Saturday’s game as Northampton Saints centre Luther Burrell also debuts for Stuart Lancaster’s squad and Gloucester flyer Jonny May wins his second cap for England.
While four of the backline are changed from the team that started against New Zealand, the pack remains unchanged.
England Head Coach Stuart Lancaster said: “We can’t wait for Saturday. We’ve had a good two weeks and all the players have pushed hard for selection.
“Congratulations to Jack and Luther who deserve their chance, as does Jonny May starting his first RBS 6 Nations game. It’s also great to see Brad Barritt back with his experience and leadership in the 23, while Alex Goode will give us good cover at 15 and 10.
“We felt the pack went well in the autumn and it’s right to leave it unchanged but we have some quality players, including two British Lions in Tom and Mako, to come on.”
