Courtney Lawes Announces Comeback with Sale Sharks and Sets Sights on England Return
Courtney Lawes is set to return to Sale Sharks, defying expectations of retirement after a remarkable 20-year career. As he enjoys the serene Correze landscape, Lawes expresses his determination: "One more time into the fire. Let's go!" After spending two years at Brive in the French second division, Lawes acknowledges the challenges he faced, stating, "There's finite time to play rugby, and I kind of want to finish where I started, playing in the top flight." Reflecting on his time away from the Premiership, he admits, "I'm not sure if I would still be playing rugby next season if I had been playing in the Premiership last year," highlighting the mental and physical toll of the intense competition. In a surprising twist, Lawes declares, "I'm officially coming out of international retirement!" This announcement comes after he last played for England during the 2023 Rugby World Cup. His move to Sale opens doors for a potential return to the national team, especially after England's disappointing Six Nations campaign. Lawes emphasizes, "If I can get back and perform for Sale, I'll give myself an opportunity to potentially play for England." He remains realistic, stating, "I've got no expectation to play. If Steve thinks I can add to the squad, then I'd be more than happy to try and do that." With his extensive experience, Lawes reflects on the current young England squad, noting the challenges they face: "There's so few players with real experience in the team now... there's only one way to get experience." As he pursues promotion with Brive, Lawes embraces new hobbies and a slower pace of life, yet remains focused on his rugby career. He acknowledges the historic opportunity of potentially becoming the first Englishman to play in five World Cups, stating, "To be able to make history would be phenomenal." With his tenacity, Lawes aims to achieve it on his own terms.
Source: Sky Sports - 2026-04-07