Courtney Lawes, the former England captain, has declared himself available for international selection once again. This announcement comes after Lawes signed with Sale Sharks for the 2026-27 season. The 37-year-old second row retired from international duty following the 2023 World Cup, after a 14-year England career.
Lawes Eyes England Return After Sale Sharks Move
Lawes stated his ambition to play for England again. He emphasised that his priority is to perform well for Sale. He told Sale’s website, “I’m officially un-retiring from international duty and I’d love to play for England again but first and foremost I want to play well for Sale and we’ll see what happens after that.”
Lawes brings a wealth of experience to Sale, having earned 105 caps for England. His international career includes three Six Nations championships. He also played in the 2019 World Cup final.
Before joining Brive in 2024, Lawes spent his club career with Northampton Saints, winning two Prem titles.
Director Sanderson Praises Lawes’ Leadership Qualities
Sale’s director of rugby, Alex Sanderson, hailed Lawes’ arrival as a statement of intent. He said it showed the owners’ ambition to elevate the club. Sanderson highlighted Lawes’ leadership qualities, noting his experience of captaining England and winning on the biggest stage. “He wants to bring people with him and lead from the front and I love that. Plus he’s captained England and knows what it’s like to play and win on the biggest stage,” Sanderson said.
Sanderson added, “I can’t wait to see him train and play with us, but from a coaching perspective I’m really looking forward to working with someone I’ve heard so many good things about.”
A Decorated Career: From Saints to England
Lawes made his debut for Saints in 2007. He earned his first England cap two years later. He was a member of England’s Six Nations grand slam-winning squad in 2016. He also won the championship twice more in 2017 and 2020.
- Featured in four World Cups.
- Reached the final in Japan in 2019.
- Won the 2024 Prem title with Northampton.
Lawes’ final England cap was in the semi-final of the 2023 tournament in Paris. England were eliminated by South Africa.
Lawes captained Northampton to victory in the 2024 campaign, making his final appearance in the final victory over Bath at Twickenham.
Lawes explained his decision to join Sale, citing his desire to play at the highest level. He also mentioned his wife’s family ties to Cheshire. “When I decided I wanted to come back to the Prem there were only a couple of teams I would have signed for,” he added. “Obviously Saints because of my history, but Sale were the other one because my wife’s family is all from Cheshire.”
Lawes has made 39 appearances in two seasons for Brive.
Lawes said, “I’m really excited to be joining Sale. I’ve been out of the Prem now for a couple of years and I just want to finish my career playing at a the top level. I think Sale have got a brilliant squad so hopefully I can add to that and we’ll see what we can do next year.”