Frankie Nowell splits time between Australia and Camborne

By Mark Stevens

When Frankie Nowell decided to head for a new rugby life Down Under, little did he realise the impact the switch would have on him, both on and off the field.

With opportunities limited coming through the ranks at the Exeter Chiefs, the 22-year-old back needed a fresh start, a change of scenery as such, and a place where he could himself flourish.

Having seen older brother Jack, below, the England and British & Irish Lions star, revel in a new life himself over in France, it seemed like the proverbial ‘no-brainer’ decision to take up.

“I just wanted to get as much game time as I could, I wanted to be playing regular rugby,” said Nowell. “I know how the systems work here, you do your time on loan, start at somewhere like Plymouth or Taunton, then go to somewhere like the Cornish Pirates or Coventry.

Game time

He added: “I did all that, but if you’re not playing regularly, even though you are training every day, if you’re not on the pitch for 80 minutes, it’s hard to compare yourself to other players, because that experience on the pitch is so different to training.

“In training you learn, of course, but it’s so much different when you’re out on the pitch playing 80 minutes each week.”

Having found his new home at the Hunter Wildfires in Newcastle, two hours from Sydney, Nowell’s regular involvement in the Shute Shield has certainly paid dividends.

“Playing over there, it’s a lot different. It’s free-flowing, quick rugby where you’re always making decisions under pressure, it’s made me sharper, fitter and more confident.”

Loving life: Frankie Nowell playing for Wildfires

Lifestyle

Equally, life off the field has also helped him adjust and thrive. Much like his older sibling, Nowell is a relaxed character who loves the outdoor lifestyle.

“It’s very chilled and laid-back, which I really enjoy,” he says. “It’s been unbelievable.

“I’m going back out again in January, that’s how much I’ve enjoyed it. Every week feels like something new.”

Between now and January, Nowell is back in his native Cornwall, keeping his fitness and skills up to speed playing with Camborne, who went into this weekend top of National Two West.

“The season was over in Australia and I’d not been back in two years,” he said. “I spoke to a few of the boys I knew at the club, and they just said, come on down and keep ticking over.”

A try-scoring debut against Lymm last week was the perfect introduction, but he hopes to play an even greater role in the coming weeks before jetting off once more.