Courtney Lawes and Joe Marchant have been told by England’s coaching staff that they need to demonstrate high‑level performances for Sale Sharks before they can be considered for a place in the senior squad for the upcoming autumn internationals. The directive comes after head coach Steve Borthwick announced his training camp roster for a three‑day session that began on Sunday, notably leaving both players out despite their recent return to the Gallagher Premiership with Sale, which technically makes them eligible for selection. The background to this situation is that both Lawes and Marchant spent the previous season playing in France – Lawes with Brive and Marchant with Stade Français – and their re‑entry into English club rugby has been closely watched by the national team hierarchy. Borthwick’s decision to omit them was understood to be a deliberate move, giving the coaching team time to assess how the pair adapt back to the pace, physicality and tactical demands of the Premiership after a year abroad.
Defence coach Richard Wigglesworth has now put the matter into plain language, confirming that the England set‑up is waiting to see how the two perform in the domestic competition before handing them a place in the national side. "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 Marchet. He added that the squad is full of talented individuals and that selecting anyone inevitably means leaving someone else out, so the returning players will need to "go over and above" the standard expectations to earn a call‑up.
Wigglesworth also highlighted the excitement surrounding Lawes’ return, noting his vast experience and legendary status within English rugby. "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. 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 also mentioned a personal encounter with Marchant, who lives close to where Wigglesworth resides.
"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," Wigglesworth added, underscoring the personal enthusiasm the coaching staff feel about both players rejoining the English game. According to the governing rules of rugby union, only players who are actively competing in the Gallagher Premiership are eligible for selection to the England senior team. By signing with Sale Sharks, both Lawes and Marchant have satisfied that criterion, effectively putting themselves back into the pool of potential internationals.
Lawes, who announced his retirement from international rugby after the 2023 World Cup, has sparked speculation that his return to domestic rugby could see him aim for a place in the 2027 World Cup in Australia, where he would be 38 years old. The former England captain has expressed a clear desire to continue playing at the highest level, stating, "I've got an itch here and I'm coming back" – a sentiment that Wigglesworth praised as a strong statement of intent.
Wigglesworth elaborated on the personal motivations behind such decisions, noting that each player's situation is unique. "Everyone's case is individual in where you want to play your rugby and what you want to do," he said. He continued, "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 kicks off on November 6, will see England open their campaign against Australia on November 8. As the tournament approaches, the pressure will mount on Lawes and Marchant to deliver convincing performances for Sale Sharks, showcasing not only their skill but also their fitness, consistency, and ability to influence games at the Premiership level. Strong showings could propel them back into the national conversation, potentially earning them a place in the match‑day squads for the autumn internationals and, if they maintain form, a role in the longer‑term plans leading up to the 2027 World Cup.
In summary, the message from England’s coaching team is clear: the door to international selection is open, but it must be earned on the field. Both Lawes and Marchant have the pedigree and experience, but they now need to translate that into tangible, high‑impact performances in the Premiership to convince the selectors that they deserve a spot in the England jersey once again.