Courtney Lawes and Joe Marchant have been given a clear message by the England coaching staff: they need to deliver strong performances for Sale Sharks in the Gallagher Premiership before they can be considered for selection in the senior national squad for the upcoming autumn internationals. This directive comes after head coach Steve Borthwick announced his training camp roster for a three‑day session that began on Sunday, noticeably omitting both players despite their recent return to English club rugby, which technically makes them eligible for England duty. Both Lawes and Marchant spent the previous season playing abroad – Lawes with French side Brive and Marchant with Stade Français – and their repatriation to Sale Sharks was seen as a chance to re‑establish themselves in the domestic league. The expectation, however, is that they must first prove that they can translate their experience and skill back into consistent, high‑level performances in the Premiership, which remains the primary criterion for national selection under the current union regulations.
Defence coach Richard Wigglesworth addressed the situation directly, confirming that the coaching team is closely monitoring how the two veterans adapt to the rigours of England’s top flight after their time in France. "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 status of the 35‑year‑old forward, a centurion for England, and the versatile midfield option Marchant.
He added that the squad is filled with talented players, and earning a place means that someone else will inevitably be left out. "They would have to go over and above that," he explained, emphasizing the need for the pair to exceed the already high standards set by their peers. Wigglesworth also expressed personal enthusiasm about Lawes’s return, highlighting his vast experience and legendary status within English rugby. "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. His comments underscored the anticipation surrounding Lawes’s impact on Sale Sharks and the broader league.
The defence coach also shared a more informal encounter with Marchant, noting that the two crossed paths near his home. "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 said, indicating a warm welcome for the back‑row player’s homecoming.
According to the governing body’s eligibility rules, only players who are actively competing in the Gallagher Premiership can be selected for England. By signing with Sale Sharks, both Lawes and Marchant have satisfied this requirement, re‑opening the door for potential inclusion in the national team. Lawes, who announced his retirement from international rugby after the 2023 Rugby World Cup, has sparked speculation about a possible comeback for the 2027 World Cup in Australia, where he would be 38 years old.
Wigglesworth addressed this speculation, noting that each player’s circumstances are unique. "Everyone’s case is individual in where you want to play your rugby and what you want to do," he said. He added that personal ambition often drives decisions: "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.’" The coach praised Lawes’s determination, experience, and leadership qualities, suggesting that these attributes position him well for a potential recall.
"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 affirmed. Looking ahead, the international calendar is set to resume with the Six Nations Championship kicking off on November 6, followed by England’s opening autumn test against Australia on November 8.
The performances of Lawes and Marchant in the early weeks of the Premiership season will be under close scrutiny, as the coaching staff will be looking for consistency, impact in key moments, and the ability to influence games positively. In summary, while the return of two seasoned internationals to the English domestic league has generated excitement among fans and pundits alike, the message from the England coaching hierarchy is unequivocal: talent alone is insufficient. Lawes and Marchant must now translate their reputation and experience into tangible results on the field for Sale Sharks, demonstrating that they can still compete at the highest level and earn their place back in the national squad.
Their journey will be watched closely as the autumn series approaches, and their performances could shape the composition of England’s squad for the crucial matches ahead, including the potential long‑term goal of a 2027 World Cup campaign.