Courtney Lawes and Joe Marchant have been told by England’s coaching staff that they must demonstrate consistent high‑level performances for Sale Sharks before they can be considered for inclusion in the senior national side’s autumn programme. The message came after head coach Steve Borthwick announced the roster for his three‑day training camp that commenced on Sunday, a squad that notably omitted both players despite their recent return to the Gallagher Premiership with Sale, which technically makes them eligible for selection. The decision reflects a broader strategy by the England management to assess how the two back‑row and centre players have adapted after spending recent seasons abroad – Lawes with French club Brive and Marchand with Stade Français – before reinstating them into the national setup.
Defence coach Richard Wigglesworth confirmed that the coaching team is waiting to see the impact the pair will have upon re‑entering England’s top 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 explained when asked about the situation surrounding the centurion Lawes 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." Wigglesworth went on to praise Lawes, describing him as a player with "unbelievable experience" and an "England legend" who has been performing strongly in pre‑season fixtures. He added, "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." He also mentioned a personal encounter with Marchant, noting, "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." This informal comment underscored the coaching staff’s enthusiasm for seeing both players re‑establish themselves in the English game. Under current rugby union regulations, only players who are contracted to clubs competing in the Gallagher Premiership are eligible for national selection. By signing with Sale Sharks, both Lawes and Marchant have therefore placed themselves back into the pool of potential England internationals.
Lawes, who announced his retirement from international rugby after the 2023 Rugby World Cup, has sparked speculation that his return to English soil could pave the way for a surprise inclusion in the England squad for the 2027 World Cup in Australia, where he would be 38 years old. Wigglesworth addressed this possibility, emphasizing the individualized nature of each player’s career choices. "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." He continued, "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 coaching staff’s stance reflects a pragmatic approach: while the pedigree and experience of Lawes and Marchant are undeniable, the competitive nature of the Premiership means that only those who consistently excel at club level will earn the coveted England jersey. The upcoming Nations Championship, which kicks off on November 6, will see England face Australia on November 8, providing a potential platform for any player who can impress during the domestic season to make a case for inclusion. In practical terms, both Lawes and Marchant will need to deliver strong performances week in, week out for Sale Sharks. This includes not only showcasing their individual skill sets—Lawes’ powerful ball‑carrying, line‑out expertise, and defensive acumen, and Marchant’s agility, tactical awareness, and ability to break the defensive line—but also contributing to the overall success of the club in the Premiership standings.
Their ability to stay injury‑free, maintain peak fitness, and adapt to the tactical demands of Steve Borthwick’s England game plan will be closely monitored. The broader context also involves the depth of talent currently available to England.
The national team boasts a range of emerging players who have already cemented themselves in the Premiership, making the competition for places even fiercer. As Wigglesworth noted, selecting a squad inevitably means leaving some capable players out, so Lawes and Marchant must demonstrate that they can offer something extra beyond what the current pool provides. Beyond the immediate goal of earning a spot in the autumn squad, both players have longer‑term ambitions.
Lawes, despite his age, has hinted at a desire to contribute to England’s future World Cup campaigns, while Marchant aims to solidify his reputation as a reliable centre who can operate both in attack and defense. Their performances for Sale will not only influence England selection but could also affect contract negotiations, sponsorship opportunities, and their legacy within English rugby. In summary, the message from England’s coaching hierarchy is clear: return to the Premiership is only the first step.
Consistent, high‑quality displays for Sale Sharks will be the decisive factor in determining whether Courtney Lawes and Joe Marchant can re‑join the national side for the upcoming autumn internationals and potentially beyond. The clock is now ticking, and the next few months of Premiership action will be crucial in shaping their international futures.