Courtney Lawes Announces International Comeback Following Sale Sharks Signing
In a stunning development for English rugby, former captain Courtney Lawes has declared he is coming out of international retirement after securing a move to Sale Sharks. The 37-year-old forward, who boasts 105 caps for England, revealed his ambitions to potentially feature in a fifth Rugby World Cup.
Sale Sharks Secure Experienced Forward on One-Year Deal
Lawes confirmed on Tuesday that he will join Sale Sharks on a one-year contract starting from the 2026/27 season. This move marks his return to English club rugby after a two-year stint with French side Brive, following his departure from Northampton Saints in 2024.
"If all goes as well as I believe it can, then I would love to play for England at a fifth World Cup," Lawes stated in an exclusive piece for The Times. "I haven’t spoken to Steve Borthwick yet and I would definitely have to earn my place back in his England squad but I will be available if he needs me, which I guess means that I am officially coming out of international retirement."
World Cup Ambitions and Leadership Qualities
The 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia presents a key target for Lawes, whose experience could prove invaluable for head coach Steve Borthwick. This comes after England's disappointing Six Nations campaign, where leadership was notably lacking.
"I didn’t expect to be in this position at 37 and feel like I have the ambition and ability to still play at international level," Lawes admitted. "If that door opens then I am more than happy to walk through it. As a player with over 100 caps, who has played at four World Cups and on two British & Irish Lions tours, I believe I could bring experience and leadership to the group."
Family Ties Influence Club Choice
Lawes disclosed that he turned down an offer from Leicester Tigers, citing his long-standing allegiance to Northampton Saints, where he spent 17 years. "There were really only two Prem clubs I could have imagined playing for," he explained. "Saints were one and Sale were the other."
The decision was heavily influenced by family connections, as his wife Jess hails from Cheshire. "In the space of those 24 mad hours we agreed to move into a barn that is being converted at her parents’ farm. Sale are their club, so it will mean a lot to pull on the jersey and my family connection means I can buy easily into their northern identity," Lawes added.
Return to Premiership Rugby
Expressing his enthusiasm for the move, Lawes emphasized the unique opportunity to resume his career in the Premiership. "To be able to play Prem rugby again was an opportunity I couldn’t really pass up," he concluded, highlighting his readiness to contribute both on and off the field for Sale Sharks and potentially for England once more.
