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

Courtney Lawes had initially planned to conclude his 20-year rugby career, but instead, he's opting to leave France and join Sale Sharks in England. This move could potentially open the door for his return to the English national team. Lawes, known for his intense playing style, has spent the last two years playing for Brive in the French second division, which has allowed him to evolve as a player and given him a break from the intense English rugby scene. He reflects on his time in France, saying it has taught him to approach the game with a slightly different mindset, which could be beneficial in his upcoming season with Sale. Lawes, who has 105 caps for England, is now coming out of international retirement and is eager to perform at the highest level once again. His move to Sale makes him eligible for selection by England's head coach, Steve Borthwick, ahead of the 2026 World Cup in Australia. Lawes is vocal about his desire to see changes in the RFU's eligibility rules, which he believes restrict player options and are detrimental to the team. With his wealth of experience, Lawes is poised to bring leadership and intensity to Sale, and potentially, the English national team. He is focused on performing well and earning his place on the team, rather than relying on his past achievements. As he prepares for his final season, Lawes is driven to make the most of his opportunity and potentially make history by becoming the first Englishman to play in five World Cups.