Courtney Lawes Set to Join Sale Sharks, Paving Way for Potential England Return

Courtney Lawes was expected to conclude his 20-year rugby career, but instead, he's making a surprise move to Sale Sharks, opening the door for a potential return to the English national team. In an interview, Lawes expressed his desire to finish his career in the top flight, citing the limited time available to play rugby. His two-year stint at Brive in the French second division has been a challenging yet rewarding experience, allowing him to evolve as a player and dial down his intensity. Lawes believes that his time in France has given his body and mind a much-needed break from the relentless English rugby environment. He's now looking forward to joining Sale Sharks and potentially earning a spot on the English national team, saying, 'I'm officially coming out of international retirement.' Lawes won his last cap for England at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, but under the RFU's eligibility rules, he wouldn't have been eligible for selection while playing overseas. His move to Sale Sharks changes that, and he's eager to perform well and give himself an opportunity to play for England again. Lawes has been vocal about the talent being wasted in English rugby, and his experience in France has only strengthened his perspective. He's returning to England a different player, one who has been sharpened by his time abroad. With the 2026 Six Nations campaign behind them, Lawes believes that England has a young team with immense potential, but they need experience to bring the players through. He's willing to bring his leadership and intensity to the table, but he knows that he must perform on the pitch to earn his place. As he prepares to join Sale Sharks, Lawes is focused on the task at hand, taking nothing for granted, and leaving no stone unturned in his pursuit of excellence.