Nowell suffers new blow in race to be fit

By Mark Stevens
2/9/19

Jack Nowell's build-up to the World Cup has suffered another setback after he was forced to have his appendix removed at England's training camp in Treviso.

The Exeter Chiefs back spent four nights in hospital after first experiencing pain upon arrival in north east Italy last Wednesday.

An operation was completed that same night and he was released on Sunday to continue his recovery.

Nowell has yet to make an appearance in the three World Cup warm-up games staged so far this summer as he recovers from the ankle injury sustained in the Gallagher Premiership final against Saracens at Twickenham back in early June.

He will not be involved in Friday's send-off against Italy at St James' Park either, leaving the tournament opener against Tonga on September 22 in Sapporo as his likely comeback match.

"Jack was sick. He had appendicitis and came out of hospital yesterday. He's nice and hungry! He's in good spirits and is back running," said defence coach John Mitchell. "It's a sickness that you can't deal with too much and you lose a bit of weight, but we back Jack. It's about being supportive and making sure he gets healthy.

"His general ankle progression is in line with where he needs to be. He's right on target for us. I don't know how much weight he's lost but he looks lean."