Moody excited by rise of Nowell

He may not be your conventional wing but Jack Nowell’s sheer power makes him one to watch in the battle for World Cup places, according to England World Cup winner Lewis Moody.

Coming into Stuart Lancaster’ side as a replacement for Jonny May in this year’s Six Nations, Newlyn’s Nowell made sure to leave his mark for England, crossing the whitewash three times, including a double against France in the final round.

It was not the first time Nowell had appeared in England colours, having played in all five Six Nations games the previous year.

A combination of shoulder and knee injuries disrupted his summer and pre-season plans but Nowell has certainly got back up to speed with club side Exeter Chiefs this season, making 16 appearances and scoring six tries.

His performances have seen him shortlisted for the Land Rover Discovery of the Season award, although, with this being his third season of Premiership rugby, Moody admits it is easy to forget the winger is still only 22 years of age.



“I remember talking about Jack what seems to be an age ago. He appears like he has been around a while, yet he is still so young,” he said. “He has quickly risen through the ranks at Exeter and is now into the England set up. It has been a remarkable rise.

“He has had a few injuries along the way this season, but it has still been a wonderful year for him. Exeter have been fantastic this year and they’ve maintained their form and Jack has played a big role in that. He has taken his chances when he’s had them.

“He has got great explosive power. He’s not a natural out-and-out winger, he’s got more of a squat type technical. He reminds me a bit of Jason Robinson, to be honest.

“It’s going to be a tough battle for places for England at the World Cup. You’ve got Jonathan Joseph and Anthony Watson, who have both done very well too, but Jack is going to be in there with a shout. It’s a very exciting time for England.”

The Land Rover Discovery of The Season award is designed to recognise the most impressive young players in the Aviva Premiership Rugby each season and reward them for their outstanding contribution to the competition.

The winner will follow in the footsteps of some special talents – previous winners have included Owen Farrell, Manu Tuilagi and Joe Launchbury, with Billy Vunipola claiming the prize last year.

But that is easier said than done with Nowell facing stiff competition with the list of nominees including Harlequins’ Jack Clifford, Saracens’ Maro Itoje, Wasps’ Elliot Daly, as well as Exeter team-mate Henry Slade.



Moody admitted he would be hard pressed to separate them if he was the one making the call.

“Billy Vunipola obviously won the Land Rover Discovery of the Season last season and Maro certainly has a good chance of repeating the success for Saracens,” he added.

“It’s a really tough one, though, as to who is going to win. I’d say Henry Slade or Maro Itoje would be up there and then Elliot Daly has been playing really well too, and so have the two Jacks.

“Jack Nowell certainly seems like he has been around for ages. They have all had great seasons, so it’s a hard call.”

Land Rover ambassador Lewis Moody was commenting on the Land Rover Discovery of The Season award. The winner of this year’s award will be announced following the Premiership Rugby Awards on May 20. Follow @LandRoverRugby #WeDealInReal