La Rochelle offer Jack Nowell one-year deal as England winger weighs return home

La Rochelle have tabled a one-year contract offer to Jack Nowell, with an option for a second season, as the former England and Lions winger weighs his future ahead of the end of his current deal this summer.

Nowell, 33, has scored two tries in four appearances for the French club this season and has accumulated 19 tries in 71 games since leaving English rugby three years ago. Head coach Ronan O’Gara is keen to retain him, but according to Midi Olympique, Nowell would prefer the security of a straight two-year arrangement. Further talks between the winger and La Rochelle’s management are expected in the coming weeks.

Capped 46 times by England and twice by the British & Irish Lions on the 2017 tour to New Zealand, the Truro-born winger came through Redruth, Plymouth Albion and the Cornish Pirates before winning the Premiership and Champions Cup double with Exeter Chiefs in 2020. His name has been circulated among clubs in England and Japan as a potential signing, giving him leverage in negotiations.

Nowell has stated his long-term intention to return to Cornwall when he retires, a factor that may ultimately influence which direction he takes.

La Rochelle are facing a similar retention challenge with former Springbok back Dillyn Leyds, who has been offered identical terms to Nowell. O’Gara is also eager to keep the 34-year-old, and reports suggest talks are moving in a positive direction. Leyds has made over 150 appearances for the club since arriving from Cape Town six years ago, playing across the wing and full-back, and was part of the squads that won back-to-back Champions Cup titles in 2022 and 2023. He earned ten Springbok caps and was a Junior World Cup winner in 2012.