Exeter statement: Exit of Jack Nowell's brother Frankie to Australia

Exeter Chiefs have now farewelled both Nowell brothers in the space of a year as younger sibling Frankie has followed ex-England international Jack out the Sandy Park door for a move overseas.

The soon-to-be 31-year-old Jack joined La Rochelle for the 2023/24 Top 14 season and has since agreed to a contract extension that will keep him in France until 2027.

His brother Frankie will travel further afield, though, as he will look to fire up his career with a stint in the Australian Shute Shield.

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A statement read: “Exeter Chiefs wing/full-back Frankie Nowell will depart Sandy Park early to pursue a playing opportunity in Australia.

“The talented youngster pulled on a Chiefs shirt in a Premiership Rugby Cup match against Bristol Bears in September 2022 as well as featuring in a handful of friendly matches as a Chief.

𝗠𝗲𝗮𝘁 𝗽𝗶𝗲 𝗱𝗲𝗯𝘂𝘁 🥧

A familiar name on the scoresheet! @FrankieNowell2 marking a first @champrugby appearance and start with our first try on Saturday!

𝙏𝙧𝙮𝙡𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙨 are here ⬇️ https://t.co/ThtlzEc6z7#COYP pic.twitter.com/2i9NvU2S1C

— Cornish Pirates (@CornishPirates1) November 27, 2023

“Following elder brother, and former Chief, Jack into the professional sport arena, Frankie began playing rugby at the tender age of six with Penzance-Newlyn RFC’s mini and juniors division.

“Attending Mount’s Bay and then Truro College, Frankie was brought into the fold at the Chiefs academy before progressing into the Sandy Park ranks ahead of the 2020/21 season.

“The 21-year-old will look to feature in the Australian Shute Shield competition which gets underway in April.”

Exeter director of rugby Rob Baxter said: “The majority of Nowell’s time at Sandy Park was spent down in Penzance with RFU Championship side Cornish Pirates, gaining vital minutes under the tutelage of Pirates head coach Alan Paver.

“We are really pleased to help Frankie take on this exciting opportunity. To play rugby in Australia will be a great experience for him and it will only help to develop Frankie’s rugby. We wish him the best.”