Courtney Lawes and Joe Marchant have been told by England’s coaching staff that they need to demonstrate their form for Sale Sharks in the Gallagher Premiership before they can be considered for the autumn international squad. The message was delivered by defence coach Richard Wigglesworth, who stressed that the pair must "go and play well" in order to earn a place. Steve Borthwick, the head coach of England, recently announced the roster for his three‑day training camp that began on Sunday.
Neither Lawes nor Marchant featured in that selection, even though both have returned to the English top flight with Sale Sharks, thereby meeting the eligibility criteria that require players to be competing in the Premiership to be chosen for the national side. The omission was not unexpected. Both players spent the previous season abroad – Lawes at French club Brive and Marchant at Stade Français – and the England management wanted to see how they would adapt back to the English game before rewarding them with a spot in the squad.
Wigglesworth confirmed that the coaching team is waiting to assess their performances now that they are back in the domestic league. "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 centurion Lawes and the versatile midfield option Marchant. He added that competition for places is fierce, noting that "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 seeing Lawes back in the Premiership.
"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 Prem, so I'm enjoying that," the coach remarked.
He even mentioned a chance encounter with Marchant, saying, "I have 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 World Rugby regulations, only players who are contracted to a Premiership club are eligible for England selection, which means both Lawes and Marchant have placed themselves back in the pool of possible candidates. Lawes announced his retirement from international rugby after the 2023 Rugby World Cup, but his return to English soil has sparked speculation that he could still aim for a place in the 2027 World Cup in Australia, even at the age of 38.
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.
But 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'." He praised Lawes' determination, saying that such a mindset, combined with his extensive experience, should position him well for future selection.
"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," Wigglesworth concluded. The upcoming Six Nations Championship, which kicks off on 6 November, will see England open their campaign against Australia on 8 November. The performances of Lawes and Marchant in the early weeks of the Premiership season will be closely monitored by the England coaching team as they finalize their squad for the tournament. Their ability to contribute consistently for Sale Sharks, demonstrate fitness, and exhibit the skill set required at the international level will be key factors in whether they can reclaim a place in the national side.
In summary, while both players have satisfied the basic eligibility requirement by returning to a Premiership club, the on‑field proof of their form and impact remains essential. The England coaching staff, led by Borthwick and supported by Wigglesworth, will be watching Sale Sharks' fixtures closely, ready to reward any player who can deliver the high‑standard performances needed for England's autumn and Six Nations campaigns.