Jack Nowell’s double departure, parting ways with both Exeter and the England national team, was compounded by the Rugby Football Union’s imposition of a £10,000 fine.
The disciplinary action followed Nowell’s public criticism on Twitter of a refereeing decision after Exeter’s loss at Leicester last season.
Nowell bluntly characterised Karl Dickson’s call to issue a second yellow card to teammate Olly Woodburn as “one of the most questionable decisions I have ever witnessed.”
“I’ve still not forgotten that, to be honest,” Nowell revealed to The Telegraph.
“I’m still a bit bitter about leaving the RFU on a bit of a sour note. I don’t entirely agree with what happened. I said this at the time that I wasn’t rude or using foul language and I didn’t mean to go against the referees.
“To leave on that note was tough to take, having been involved with Exeter and the RFU for so long – having given so much for that – and get walloped with a fine like that when there were certainly other people doing it, too.
“Can I say I’ve learnt my lesson? I’m not sure. If there’s something I strongly disagree with, I’ll still say it. That was almost my parting gift.”
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England’s unavailable XV:
15. Jack Nowell (La Rochelle)
Unavailable due to playing overseas.
14. Jonny May (Gloucester)
13. Joe Marchant (Stade Francais)
Unavailable due to playing overseas.
12. Owen Farrell (Saracens)
arrell, the captain of the England rugby team, has opted for a hiatus from international rugby to focus on the mental well-being of himself and his family. Consequently, he will be unavailable for the 2024 Six Nations selection.
Nevertheless, Farrell will maintain his role as a player for Saracens and continue to lead the club as its captain.
The captain of the England rugby team faced significant challenges throughout the Rugby World Cup. Fans from both England and opposing nations directed intense hostility toward the fly-half in every match he played.
The situation escalated to the point where Farrell would receive loud boos whenever he was featured on the big screen or when his name was announced.
The situation escalated to the point where Farrell would receive loud boos whenever he was featured on the big screen or when his name was announced.
“It is with typical courage that Owen has made this decision to open up in this manner. Together with all of us at England Rugby, I will do everything I can to ensure that he has the support he requires going forward.”
11. Christian Wade (Racing 92)
Unavailable due to playing overseas.