Nowell glad to be back for Exeter

England winger Jack Nowell is pleased to put a “frustrating” time behind him and return to action after the injuries that blighted last season for him.

The 25-year-old Exeter Chief played his second game of the campaign in this victory after undergoing summer ankle surgery. “It has been frustrating, and last season was a bit of a downer but I am happy to be back out with the boys,” Nowell said. “It has taken a long time to get there, but soon I will get my fitness back. It was also awesome to be back training with England last week.”

Nowell’s Exeter teammate, loosehead prop Ben Moon, had a first England call-up after Joe Marler announced his retirement from international rugby.

“We have always said Moony is one of our quality players and his England recognition has been a long time coming, and it was awesome for four of us from Exeter to go up to camp together,” said Nowell, who was also joined in the squad by Harry Williams and Henry Slade.

All of Exeter’s tries came through their forwards with Dave Ewers grabbing two and skipper Jack Yeandle and England prop Harry Williams also dotting down.

Worcester pulled back from a 21-3 half-time deficit to cut the gap to 10 points but their hopes ended when prop Ryan Bower was shown a yellow card.

Next up for Exeter is Friday night’s Premiership clash at Bath. “There are some big European games coming up, but it is important for us to finish this Premiership block on a high,” said Nowell.

Worcester host Bristol Bears on Sunday and Alan Solomons, the director of rugby, intends to rest key players afterwards. “We need to prepare well because they are a good side,” he said. “I am going to give the guys who have played the bulk of the first six games a 10-day break after that.”