Nowell proud of Euro efforts
By Mark Stevens
Exeter Chiefs star Jack Nowell says he and his team-mates should be proud of their European efforts this season, despite narrowly missing out on booking a place in the upcoming Challenge Cup Final.
Saturday night’s 30-19 loss at Aviva Premiership rivals Gloucester means Rob Baxter’s side will not be heading to the capital on May 1st for a final showdown with Scottish side Edinburgh Rugby.
Undone by a workmanlike display from the Cherry & Whites at Kingsholm, the Chiefs will instead now focus all their attentions on trying to book themselves a first-ever place in the Premiership Play-Offs next month.
Whilst disappointed not to have advanced through in Europe, England international Nowell is looking to end a successful campaign on a high note in the coming weeks.
“Obviously we’re disappointed to have missed out on playing in the final,” said the 22-year-old back. “However, this is the furthest we have got in Europe and that in itself is something we have to be very proud of.
“For us, there is still an awful lot to play for this season, especially in this last block of the Premiership. As Rob said, we’re in a great position right now and we’re looking forward to it.”
Although the Chiefs headed to Gloucester in buoyant mood following their impressive league win over reigning champions Northampton Saints, sadly they could not replicate that showing against a determined home side.
“To be fair, Gloucester didn’t make any mistakes out there and they put the ball in the right areas of the pitch,” explained Nowell. “When you are playing as well as they were, with the crowd behind them, it’s hard to fault them.
“I am sure there will be a things for us to look at when we get back in next week, but fair play to Gloucester they deserved their win tonight.”
Despite Saturday’s setback, Nowell insists experiences like that gleaned at the weekend will be invaluable to not only himself, but the rest of the Chiefs squad as they look to push on in future seasons.
“You only have to look back over the last few years at the strides the club have made,” said the Cornishman. “The stepping stones we’ve made have been fantastic. To think back five years ago, nobody would have said Exeter would be playing in a European semi-final, but here we are and we’ve given a really account of ourselves.
“As players I’m sure will learn a lot from nights like tonight, but you also have to give credit to Gloucester as well. We’re disappointed, of course, but the focus will now be on next week and the end of the season.”