Courtney Lawes' performances in the Gallagher Premiership next season will be closely monitored by England head coach Steve Borthwick as the 37-year-old flanker targets an international comeback. Lawes retired from Test rugby after the 2023 World Cup but has rekindled his ambitions after leaving French second-tier club Brive to join Sale Sharks.
Lawes is not being considered for July's Nations Championship matches against South Africa, Fiji and Argentina, but he is firmly on Borthwick's radar for the 2026-27 campaign leading to the World Cup in Australia. Borthwick also noted that centre Joe Marchant, who has also signed for Sale after a spell at Stade Francais, is similarly being monitored.
“I’m certainly looking forward to watching Courtney in the Prem against other players who are eligible, as I am with Joe Marchant,” Borthwick said. “Watching him in Pro D2, the context is slightly different but I know that Courtney is a proven Test match player and a proven leader. Courtney wanting to come back shows what an incredible character and fantastic leader he is.”
Borthwick recalled Lawes' crucial turnover against Fiji in the World Cup quarter-final as an example of his character. “When I talk about character, I’m talking about players who are tough enough to do exactly what the team needs to win that moment. Courtney is that type of character and he’s done it so many times for England at the highest level.”
Meanwhile, Borthwick's immediate focus is preparing his squad for a 25,000-mile summer tour across three continents, starting against South Africa in Johannesburg on July 4, followed by Fiji in Liverpool and Argentina in Santiago del Estero. England are looking to bounce back from their worst ever Six Nations performance, and Borthwick sees the itinerary as an opportunity to test his players' mettle.
