Jack Nowell: La Rochelle wing says he is happy in France after overcoming family issues
Former England winger Jack Nowell says he is loving life with La Rochelle after overcoming a “heartbreaking” family relocation.
Noel impresses in first season in France’s top flight Leaving boyhood club Exeter Chiefs in the summer of 2023, But the 31-year-old father-of-three said life off the field was initially difficult.
“Rugby is the simplest sport,” Noel told BBC Rugby League Weekly. “The kids made me feel welcome and I learned the moves and started playing.
“It’s more difficult on the family side, sending the children to French schools.
“They come home and say ‘no one talks to me’, ‘the teachers don’t understand me’, ‘I don’t want to go to school’.
“It’s heartbreaking at times.
“Everyone at the club has been really supportive and told me to stick with it for a few months and said something would change before they started liking it and that’s what has happened, which is fantastic.
“Rugby was easy and I loved it right away but now the family is happy and it’s really great.”
Noel and his family are now enjoying life on France’s west coast, with the club extending his stay with the two-time Champions League winner until 2027, when he will turn 34.
“I feel like I’ve been bought into this team now and I’m enjoying playing for them,” Noel added.
“Last year, I played the most minutes in my entire career.
“My body feels good, maybe the heat will be different.”
