Nowell returns as Exeter score eight tries in thrashing of Bath

England’s Jack Nowell gave Exeter Chiefs a big boost on a day when they hammered a poor Bath side 57-20 in the Gallagher Premiership.

Nowell, who has not played since January when he damaged an ankle that needed surgery and hence missed out on England’s Six Nations campaign, was a second-half replacement as Exeter returned to the top of the table with an eight-try blitz.

Two tries each from wing Olly Woodburn and No8 Sam Simmonds and one each from wing Tom O’Flaherty, lock Jannes Kirsten, hooker Elvis Taione and replacement Jack Maunder rocked Bath.

Bath managed tries from No8 Zach Mercer, centre Max Wright and wing

Ruaridh McConnochie. “It was nice to see him lurking around,” said Rob Hunter, the Exeter forwards coach. “He has been doing his rehab and has worked very hard to put himself in a position to play. He bumped a few folk off with his usual step and, I am sure had he come close to the line, he would have cropped up and tried to dive over with the ball.”

Elsewhere, Wasps completed a hat-trick of Premiership wins with a 39-22 victory over Gloucester.

The hosts scored five tries through Jack Willis, Jacob Umaga, Josh Bassett, Marcus Watson and Nizaam Carr. Gloucester responded with tries from Tom Marshall, Ollie Thorley, Lloyd Evans and Billy Twelvetrees but still slipped to a fifth consecutive league defeat as their season implodes.