Courtney Lawes and Joe Marchant have been told by England’s coaching staff that they need to demonstrate strong performances for Sale Sharks in the Gallagher Premiership before they can be considered for a place in the national side’s autumn programme. The message came after head coach Steve Borthwick announced the squad for a three‑day training camp that began on Sunday, notably leaving both players out despite their recent return to English club rugby, which technically makes them eligible for selection.
Both Lawes and Marchant spent the previous season playing abroad – Lawes with French club Brive and Marchant with Stade Français – and their reintegration into the English league was closely watched by the England set‑up. The consensus among the coaching team was that they wanted to see how the pair would adapt to the pace and physicality of the Premiership after their time in the Top 14 before handing them a full international recall. Defence coach Richard Wigglesworth confirmed that the decision to wait hinges on the players’ performances in the domestic competition. “We want as much quality as we can have in the league but they are going to have to go and play well,” Wigglesworth said when asked about the status of the centurion Lawes and the versatile midfield option Marchand.
He added that selection is a competitive process: “There are some good players in the room and to pick them you have to leave someone else out, so they would have to go over and above that, I would say.” Wigglesworth also expressed personal enthusiasm about the return of both athletes. “It’s great to have Courtney back. He has unbelievable experience, is an England legend and has been flying in pre‑season, as everyone is. There is a real excitement about watching him back in the Premiership, so I’m enjoying that.” He recounted a chance encounter with Marchant, noting, “I actually bumped into Joe Marchant walking around living quite close to me, so I caught up with him and it is great to have him back.” Under the current Rugby Union eligibility rules, only players who are actively competing in the Gallagher Premiership are eligible for England selection, meaning the two have technically placed themselves back in the pool of candidates.
Lawes, who announced his retirement from international duty after the 2023 Rugby World Cup, has sparked speculation that his return to English soil could be a stepping stone toward a possible appearance at the 2027 World Cup in Australia, where he would be 38 years old. Wigglesworth highlighted the individual nature of each player’s situation, stating, “Everyone’s case is individual in where you want to play your rugby and what you want to do. I couldn’t have given up the chance of England because I didn’t play as much as loads of people.” He praised Lawes’s determination, quoting the veteran’s own words: “Courtney has said ‘I’ve got an itch here and I’m coming back’. How good is that as a statement?
‘I am coming back because I want to do this.’ That level of determination and the qualities he has should put himself in a good spot. Experience, he has certainly got that.
We are keen to watch him play.” The broader context of these comments is the upcoming Six Nations Championship, which kicks off on 6 November, with England slated to face Australia on 8 November in a high‑profile test match. Both Lawes and Marchant will be keen to make an impact for Sale Sharks in the weeks leading up to the tournament, as strong club performances could tip the balance in their favour when the England selectors finalize the match‑day squads.
For Lawes, the challenge is two‑fold: he must adapt back to the faster, more open style of English club rugby after a season in the more forward‑oriented French league, and he must also manage the physical demands that come with playing at the highest level at an advanced age. His extensive experience, including over 100 caps for England, gives him a tactical edge, but he will need to prove that his fitness and agility remain at a world‑class standard.
Marchant, meanwhile, offers a different skill set. Known for his strong ball‑carrying, defensive reliability, and ability to break the line, he provides England with a useful option in the midfield.
His time at Stade Français exposed him to a different style of play, emphasizing creativity and off‑the‑ball movement, which could enrich his contributions in the Premiership and, by extension, the national team. Both players are now under the microscope of the England coaching staff, who will be monitoring key performance indicators such as tackle success rate, metres gained, turnover creation, and overall impact on Sale Sharks’ results. The Premiership schedule offers ample opportunity for them to showcase these metrics, especially as Sale Sharks aim to climb the league table. In summary, while the door to international selection has been reopened for Courtney Lawes and Joe Marchant, the pathway is contingent on demonstrable excellence at club level.
Their performances for Sale Sharks in the Gallagher Premiership will be the decisive factor in whether they earn a place in England’s autumn squad and potentially the Six Nations lineup. The coaching staff’s message is clear: talent alone is not enough; consistency, impact, and a visible commitment to winning are essential to secure a spot among England’s elite.