Courtney Lawes and Joe Marchant have been told by England’s coaching staff that they must 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 the English top flight with Sale, which technically makes them eligible for selection.
Both Lawes and Marchand spent the previous season playing abroad – Lawes with French club Brive and Marchant with Stade Français – and the England set‑up had been waiting to assess how they would adapt back to the pace and physicality of the Premiership. Defence coach Richard Wigglesworth confirmed that the decision to omit them was not a dismissal of their abilities but rather a deliberate choice to observe how they perform in domestic competition before offering them a place in the national squad.
"We want as much quality as we can have in the league but they are going to have to go and play well," Wigglesworth told reporters when asked about the status of the centurion Lawes and the versatile midfield option Marchant. He went on to explain that the England squad is always a balance of talent and that selecting one player inevitably means leaving another out. "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," he added. Wigglesworth also expressed genuine enthusiasm about Lawes’ return.
"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 said.
He even recounted a personal encounter with Marchant, noting that the two happen to live near each other. "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," Wigglesworth remarked. Under current World Rugby regulations, only players who are active in the Gallagher Premiership are eligible for England selection, meaning that both Lawes and Marchant have now placed themselves back in the pool of candidates. Lawes, who announced his retirement from international rugby after the 2023 World Cup, has sparked speculation that his return to English soil could pave the way for a surprising inclusion in the squad for the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia, when he will be 38 years old.
Wigglesworth highlighted the personal motivations behind each player’s decision to return. "Everyone’s case is individual in where you want to play your rugby and what you want to do," he said. "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 continued, "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." This endorsement underscores the high expectations placed on Lawes, whose career includes over 100 caps for England, a Rugby World Cup final appearance, and a reputation as one of the most reliable locks in the modern game.
For Marchant, the coach’s comments were equally encouraging. The 27‑year‑old centre, known for his solid defensive work and ability to break the line, has been a valuable asset for Sale Sharks since his arrival. Wigglesworth’s remarks about catching up with him suggest a personal rapport that could translate into on‑field opportunities if Marchant can consistently deliver strong performances in the Premiership.
The timing of this scrutiny is crucial, as the Six Nations Championship is set to commence on 6 November, with England scheduled to face Australia on 8 November in a high‑profile autumn international. The coaching staff will be monitoring the early rounds of the Premiership closely, looking for players who can make an immediate impact and demonstrate the form required for international duty.
In practical terms, both Lawes and Marchant will need to contribute significantly to Sale’s campaign – scoring tries, making decisive tackles, and providing leadership on the field – to catch the eye of the national selectors. Their performances will be measured not only by statistics but also by their influence on the team’s overall play, their work rate in both attack and defence, and their ability to handle the pressure of high‑stakes matches. The broader context of this situation reflects England’s ongoing strategy to blend experienced veterans with emerging talent.
While the coaching team values the depth and experience that players like Lawes bring, they also recognise the importance of giving opportunities to younger players who have shown promise in the Premiership. This balancing act is essential for maintaining a competitive squad capable of challenging the world’s best teams. As the season progresses, fans of Sale Sharks and the England national team will be watching closely to see whether Lawes and Marchant can rise to the challenge. Their success could not only secure them a place in the upcoming autumn internationals but also set the stage for potential involvement in future World Cups.
The message from the England coaching staff is clear: perform consistently at a high level in the Premiership, and the door to international rugby will remain open.