Former Exeter Chiefs star Jack Nowell may now be showcasing his skills in France’s Top 14 with La Rochelle, but the former England winger remains a proud Cornishman at heart.
Join the RUCK’s WhatsApp community here and get the latest news sent straight to your messages.
He clearly has never forgotten his roots and is eager to give back to the Cornish community which shaped him as a person.
Nowell supports charities within the South West of England, such as the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) and Cornwall Hospice Care.
One prime example of this is his decision to buy his local pub, The Swordfish Inn, in Newlyn, in 2018.
“I remember being down there as a kid with my dad and I just remember it being so rammed and seeing everyone like a family,” says Nowell.
“When I got old enough and started drinking, it got a bit quiet and fizzled out a bit, and I was then in a position where I could afford to buy it, so me and Mark and Nick George bought it together.
“They’re two guys that run pubs down in Cornwall and they’re very, very good at what they do, so I mentioned (my plans) to them one day and they were really keen to do it with me.
“I’m trying to build it slowly into what it used to be like.”
He is also a director of MUSTARD Clothing.
NIGEL OWENS DREAM XV:
In his remarkable lineup, Owens features three Welsh luminaries – Alun Wyn Jones, Shane Williams, and Gethin Jenkins. Additionally, he acknowledges the contributions of Lee Byrne, Dwayne Peel, and Leigh Halfpenny to the sport.
Notably, a striking facet of Owens’ chosen players is their collective leadership qualities, with the majority of the selected individuals having served as captains for their respective nations.
Fullback: Israel Folau (Australia)
Owens said: “For me, it’s nip and tuck between Halfpenny and Folau, next to nothing to choose between them. Leigh is brilliant because under the high ball and with his kicking at goal under pressure. He may not always break the line when running but puts his body on the line in defence and is a top-notch match-winner.
“But I go for Folau – only just, I should stress – because of his ability to seemingly beat his man every time he gets the ball in his hand. He’s such an exciting player and like Leigh he is one of the best under the high ball.
“It’s a toss of a coin for me… and it’s come down in Folau’s favour.”
Winger: Stuart Hogg (Scotland)
Owens said: “How can you fail to be impressed when watching Hogg play. He’s so exciting as he burst into that line and, of course, was named Six Nations player of the tournament.
“I know he’s a full-back for Scotland, but he is so quick and direct he could easily play on the wing. He reminds me a bit of Shane Williams with some of the things he does.
“When you see who is on the other wing in my team, you’ll see how they would work brilliantly in tandem.”
Outside-centre: Brian O’Driscoll (Ireland)
Owens said: “Not only is he one of the greatest centres in the history of rugby union but he’s a fantastic man off the field as well. O’Driscoll has been a wonderful ambassador for the sport and a real leader. He always respected referees and set the right example for others to follow.
“A legend of the game who conducted himself superbly, on and off the pitch.”
Inside-centre: Ma’a Nonu (New Zealand)
Owens said: “He’s another brilliant player and after every game, win or lose, he would come up and give me a hug. Ma’a has always found time at after-match functions or at breakfast if we’ve been staying at the same hotel to come over and have a chat.
“What a player, mind, too. One of the stalwarts of the New Zealand side for so many years.”
Winger: Shane Williams (Wales)
Owens said: “When people ask me who is the best player I have refereed it’s pretty much an impossible task to pick one because I’ve been lucky enough to take charge of so many greats.
“But if I’m pushed, I would pick Shane for what he achieved after coming from football at 17 or 18 years of age.
“He was in the mould of Gerald Davies in how he left defenders gasping for air as he beat them with those dazzling sidesteps. Nobody would fancy defending against a back three of Shane, Hogg and Folau, I can tell you that.”
CONTINUES ON PAGE TWO
The post England star become legend in his hometown after taking over his local pub appeared first on Ruck.
