Courtney Lawes and Joe Marchant have been told by England’s coaching staff that they need to demonstrate consistent high‑level performances for Sale Sharks before they can be considered for a place in the national side’s autumn programme. The message was delivered by defence coach Richard Wigglesworth, who emphasized that simply returning to the Gallagher Premiership does not guarantee selection; the duo must earn their spots through on‑field excellence. Steve Borthwick, England’s head coach, recently announced the squad for a three‑day training camp that kicked off on Sunday. Notably absent from the list were Lawes and Marchant, even though both players have re‑joined an English club – Lawes with Sale Sharks after a stint at French side Brive, and Marchant after leaving Stade Français – thereby meeting the eligibility rule that only Premiership‑based players can be called up for England.
Their omission sparked speculation that Borthwick wanted to assess how the two would adapt back to the English game before reintegrating them into the senior group. Wigglesworth confirmed that the coaching team is closely monitoring their progress in the Premiership, a competition that offers a higher standard of rugby than the French Top 14 in many respects. "We want as much quality as we can have in the league but they are going to have to go and play well," he said when asked about the veteran lock, a centurion for England, and the versatile midfield option, Marchant. "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." The defensive specialist highlighted the excitement surrounding Lawes’s return, noting his vast experience and status as an England legend.
"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," Wigglesworth added. He also mentioned a chance encounter with Marchant, who lives near him, underscoring the personal rapport that exists within the England camp: "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 World Rugby eligibility regulations, only players who are contracted to a Premiership club are eligible for England selection.
By signing with Sale, both Lawes and Marchant have re‑established their eligibility, putting themselves back on the radar for future internationals. Lawes, who announced his retirement from international rugby after the 2023 World Cup, has hinted that his return to English soil could be motivated by a desire to extend his playing career into the 2027 World Cup in Australia, where he would be 38 years old.
Wigglesworth reflected on the personal motivations that drive players: "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’.
"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 upcoming Six Nations Championship, which begins on 6 November, will be a crucial platform for any player hoping to break back into the England squad. England’s first match of the tournament is scheduled for 8 November against Australia, a high‑profile encounter that will test the squad’s depth and resilience. For Lawes and Marchant, the window to impress is narrow; they must deliver standout performances for Sale in the Premiership fixtures leading up to the tournament, demonstrating not only skill but also the consistency and work‑rate that England’s coaching staff demand.
Both players bring distinct attributes to the table. Lawes, a towering lock, is renowned for his line‑out prowess, physicality in the tight exchanges, and leadership on and off the field. His experience includes over 80 caps for England and a reputation for being a galvanising presence in the pack.
Marchant, meanwhile, offers versatility across the centre and wing positions, combining solid defensive technique with the ability to break tackles and create scoring opportunities. His time in France sharpened his attacking instincts, and his return to the Premiership provides an opportunity to blend that flair with the structured English style of play. Sale Sharks, under head coach Steve Borthwick, will be keen to integrate both internationals smoothly, ensuring they adapt to the club’s game plan while also showcasing their individual strengths. The club’s recent performances have been a mix of promising wins and disappointing losses, making the contributions of seasoned players like Lawes and the dynamic abilities of Marchant potentially decisive in turning the season around.
In summary, the message from England’s coaching hierarchy is clear: re‑joining the Premiership is only the first step for Courtney Lawes and Joe Marchant. To earn a place in the autumn squad and possibly the Six Nations lineup, they must excel week in, week out for Sale Sharks, proving that they still possess the quality, determination, and match‑winning impact that made them England regulars in the past. Their journey back to international rugby will be watched closely by fans and selectors alike, with the hope that their experience and renewed vigor will bolster England’s chances in the forthcoming campaigns.