Courtney Lawes eyes fifth World Cup as he returns to English club rugby
Courtney Lawes eyes fifth World Cup as he returns to English club rugby
England captain Courtney Lawes isn’t retiring and signs with Sale for 2026-27, after leaving Brive to return to English rugby.
Courtney Lawes, a cornerstone of England’s pack and a candidate for a fifth World Cup, is set to return to English club rugby after agreeing to join Sale Sharks for the 2026-27 season. He spent this season in France with Brive and has now signaled his intention to come back home while staying committed to England’s international ambitions.
The move follows a path recently trodden by other English players, with Lawes opting to swap the French second tier for top-flight Premiership rugby. He’s also noted as following in the footsteps of Mako Vunipola, who made a similar transition back to English rugby, highlighting a broader appetite among England’s stars to balance international dreams with club responsibilities.
Crucially, Lawes announced he is officially un-retiring from international duty after agreeing to join Sale for 2026-27. The decision keeps the door open for future England campaigns, including a potential World Cup appearance, while allowing him to contribute his vast experience to a club eager to compete at the highest level.
The development underscores Lawes’ enduring influence and the ongoing cycle of players moving between French clubs and the English Premiership in pursuit of both consistent playtime and a platform to push for global honours. England fans will be watching closely to see how his return to the Premiership shapes both the national team’s prospects and Sale’s aspirations in the upcoming seasons.
As Lawes charts a course back to the heart of English rugby, supporters and analysts alike will be curious to see how his leadership and experience translate to immediate impact for Sale and long-term prospects for England on the world stage.
