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Pro D2

Courtney Lawes 'has every chance of a Lions call-up'

By Francisco Isaac

35 days ago

This picture taken on August 29, 2024 shows Brive's English flanker Courtney Lawes (R) reacting during the French Pro D2 rugby union match between Club Athletique Brive Correze Limousin and Oyonnax Rugby, in Brive-la-Gaillarde, central France. Former England forward Courtney Lawes believes there is a "long hard road" ahead for Steve Borthwick's side as they prepare to face France in the Six Nations at Twickenham on February 8, 2025. (Photo by DIARMID COURREGES / AFP) (Photo by DIARMID COURREGES/AFP via Getty Images)

CA Brive head coach Pierre-Henry Broncan and assistant Saïd Hirèche were full of praise for Courtney Lawes ahead of last Friday’s clash with SU Agen, with the former England captain continuing to play a central role in the Pro D2 side’s campaign.

Lawes and Brive have won five of their last six matches and currently sit second in the Pro D2 table, trailing only FC Grenoble by five points. The Englishman has been instrumental at the set-piece, averaging three lineout steals over the past fortnight, and leads the competition for turnovers with 18 successful jackals.

Broncan was effusive in his praise for Lawes when speaking to Canal+.

“Courtney is class. You don’t win 100 caps for your country, captain England and Saints, and play for the British and Irish Lions by accident. He’s a hard worker. He never puts himself first – it’s always about the team. He’s the father of this group. A true leader. His calmness is his biggest strength.”

⁠Courtney Lawes’ rib-tickler on Jules Plisson in 2015

⁠Courtney Lawes made one of the most brutal tackles every seen in Six Nations history when England and France met in 2015.

⁠Courtney Lawes’ rib-tickler on Jules Plisson in 2015

⁠Courtney Lawes made one of the most brutal tackles every seen in Six Nations history when England and France met in 2015.

The former Wallabies assistant also gave his view on Lawes’ British and Irish Lions prospects.

“If he keeps playing like this and performing in the big games, I think he has every chance of a Lions call-up. He knows Andy Farrell will be watching. We’d be thrilled to have a British Lion playing at Brive – it would set a great example for our younger players. It would show them that playing international rugby is possible, even here.”

Brive legend Hirèche also expressed his admiration for how seamlessly Lawes has slotted into the squad.

“Every time he speaks – even just a few words – the whole team stops and listens. He’s a great role model for the younger lads. He’s humble, puts in the extra hours, and has poured his heart and soul into the club. He’s a fantastic leader.”

Brive’s hopes of promotion to the Top 14 remain alive, with the side currently on course to host a home semi-final and just four rounds left in the Pro D2 regular season.

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Comments

1 Comment

DP 34 days ago

No he doesn’t. Not even close.

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Comments on RugbyPass

Cantab 6 days ago

Teenager Braxton Sorensen-McGee reflects on dream Black Ferns debut

Although NZ won comfortably enough they weren’t always convincing and a better opposition may well have found them out. If our gun 7s players can translate their skills to the 15s game the team would have the ability to beat anyone. Need to be given the chance though.

4 Go to comments

James 6 days ago

'Whisper it, but the Wallabies could out-scrum the British and Irish Lions this summer'

And how do you see the Wallabies loosehead / Lion’s tighthead battle Nick?

37 Go to comments

dw 6 days ago

'Whisper it, but the Wallabies could out-scrum the British and Irish Lions this summer'

Also interested in your thoughts on A Bell. Haven't noticed many scrum issues recently. He also seems to play 60 or so mins every game. A bit of a fan (even though he’s a tah..) but wondered if the Lions would target his scrummaging

37 Go to comments

dw 6 days ago

'Whisper it, but the Wallabies could out-scrum the British and Irish Lions this summer'

True. And you look at how the European coaches have got so much out of skelton and how much the local fans love him…and then some Oz fans will still say “he played poorly for the tahs I'm 2015!”

37 Go to comments

dw 6 days ago

'Whisper it, but the Wallabies could out-scrum the British and Irish Lions this summer'

Thanks Nick but your headline has just jinxed us and reminded me of that night in 2013!

I love any analysis of the scrums such as the above. Cheers.

Allalatoa seems to be in good form and Nongorr appears to be able to hold his own? I think they will pick Tupou regardless of form. After Friday night I am concerned he could be sent off in the first five mins of the test though! He got too pumped up and hit a player high and was carded

37 Go to comments

RedWarriors 6 days ago

'Most complacent selection decision you will ever see': Barrett benching slammed as Leinster knocked out

I watched the mainstream NZ pundits eg Mils Muliaina and they DID back NZ to win almost to a man.

Ireland will talk their team up as anyone would with the caveats we are playing the ABs and match was de facto 50:50, That is not the same as dismissing the opposition. EG After the quarter John Kirwan said he was sorry France didn’t win versus SA becuase a ‘France-NZ final would be perfect. (The semis had not even been played yet, England and Argentina completely dismissed! He didn’t even realize his own arrogance) NZ are not even aware of the arrogance they exude. Has no Kiwi politely asked the national team to take down the ‘Superstars and Humble Heroes’ boasting on the AB site? Its cringeworthy stuff. Do NZ really see themselves like this?

Note all this BS about Irish arrogance started just after NZs defeat in the 2022 series. Not a coincidence.

Also: this is Irish national TV. We will talk our team up as everyone does. We care too much about judgemental and thin skinned Kiwis getting offended.

91 Go to comments

JM 6 days ago

'Whisper it, but the Wallabies could out-scrum the British and Irish Lions this summer'

Aussie rugby fans are obsessed with players they hate, for whatever reason.

Michael Hooper is another one, and the hatred only increased whenever he won John Eales medals or the two times he was nominated world player of the year.

I reckon it is because our forwards are technically and mentally weak they put it all on one player who they think should make way for the messiah.

Same for the general team performance and the hate put on players like White, Lolesio, and Foley who should be pulling rabbits out of the hat every play.

I reckon, if we had of had 5 players with Hooper’s desire and drive spread across the team (and especiallythe forwards), we wouldn’t have woken up in the bottom of the ditch.

37 Go to comments

RedWarriors 6 days ago

'What he’s given to this club is nothing short of incredible'

He shouldn’t have been picked. Not physically able for the most intense matches notably in Twickenham last year. Giving him the captaincy was also a very short sighted decision then after RWC 2023. Ireland have a tendency to be a little too loyal, which can mean the team ages and the rebuild is bigger than should be.

Plenty of lads out there to fill that squad.

4 Go to comments

OJohn 6 days ago

Geoff Parling returns to Leicester as head coach

Hooray

0 Go to comments

Carlos 6 days ago

'Whisper it, but the Wallabies could out-scrum the British and Irish Lions this summer'

He was also a YC magnet.

37 Go to comments

Carlos 6 days ago

'Whisper it, but the Wallabies could out-scrum the British and Irish Lions this summer'

Windsor-Faulkner-Price. 😊

37 Go to comments

Solenn Bonnet 6 days ago

Leinster cleanse palette with record URC scoreline against Zebre

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0 Go to comments

Mzilikazi 6 days ago

'Whisper it, but the Wallabies could out-scrum the British and Irish Lions this summer'

Ah, the Pooler front row ! Most legendary in the history of the , I would think. Max Boyce helped…”Here we. here we, here we go, with the Pontypool front row.”

37 Go to comments

Mzilikazi 6 days ago

'Whisper it, but the Wallabies could out-scrum the British and Irish Lions this summer'

Would not go as far as whole house in our family, but for me, yes, W1. Loved playing in the scrum, love watching now😀

37 Go to comments

Mzilikazi 6 days ago

'Whisper it, but the Wallabies could out-scrum the British and Irish Lions this summer'

Yes, I see that article here on RP, Nick. That is good news that Schmidt is going to look at the o’seas players.

Yes, I would think you are right that LAR will qualify. On the same points as MP, but surely they are too good not to win this crunch game….could be tEnse for ROG in the stands though.

37 Go to comments

BC 6 days ago

Who would make it into a Women's British and Irish Lions starting XV?

I would pick Oifa Wafer at 6, put Aldcroft in the second row with Ward. I think Wafer is one of the few non-England players mentioned that would contend for a Red Rose shirt, the others being King and possibly Neve Jones. Conversely there are two English players mentioned, Sing and Venner, that probably won’t even make the Red Rose WC squad, let alone a Lions Tour. Still a lot can change in two years, watch out for Millie David.

1 Go to comments

Otagoman II 6 days ago

'Whisper it, but the Wallabies could out-scrum the British and Irish Lions this summer'

Great article NB, thanks. I would like to know what is the reasoning why so many things are penalties in the scrum. Is it to do with safety or something else?

37 Go to comments

NB 6 days ago

'Whisper it, but the Wallabies could out-scrum the British and Irish Lions this summer'

👍