Courtney Lawes makes England U-turn after signing for Sale

Former England and British and Irish Lions flanker Courtney Lawes admits that he wants to end his career at the top after signing a one-year deal to return to the Gallagher PREM with Sale Sharks, and has unofficially ended his international retirement.

RugbyPass exclusively revealed on Monday afternoon that Lawes, 37, was heading to the Sharks just hours after his departure from Pro D2 outfit Brive, where he has spent the last couple of years, was announced.

It has emerged that Lawes, who won 105 England caps and another five for the Lions across two tours, rejected approaches from Leicester Tigers and Newcastle Red Bulls before signing for the Sharks.

Lawes, who made over 300 appearances for Northampton Saints and captained them to their first Gallagher PREM title in 10 years in 2024, could now force his way back into Steve Borthwick’s England set-up.

“I’m really excited to be joining Sale. I’ve been out of the PREM now for a couple of years, and I just want to finish my career playing at the top level. I think Sale have got a brilliant squad, so hopefully I can add to that, and we’ll see what we can do next year,” he said.

“My body feels good, and I’m still performing at a high level. I feel like I can compete with the best of them, and then some, and I think if I retired now, I’d probably regret it when I was older.

“As a rugby player, you’ve got a very finite career, and you’re a long time retired, so I want to make the most of it while I can, give it everything for another season, and then we’ll see what happens.

“When I decided I wanted to come back to the PREM, there were only a couple of teams I would have signed for. Obviously, Saints because of my history, but Sale were the other one because my wife’s family is all from Cheshire.

“There will be quite a few familiar faces at the club. I’ve played with a lot of the England lads, and Dorian West was my first forwards coach as a professional player.

“I know the club is bringing in some brilliant players for next season too – guys like Joe Marchant and Alex Lozowski will add a lot on and off the field.

“I’m officially un-retiring from international duty, and I’d love to play for England again, but first and foremost, I want to play well for Sale, and we’ll see what happens after that.”

Sharks Director of Rugby Alex Sanderson, who hasn’t been shy about his ambition, said that signing Lawes was another major statement on intent from the club.

“Courtney is the kind of player and person that suits this club. He’s robust, dynamic around the park, and he hits hard, but he has a fantastic skillset that means he’s so much more than just a banger,” he said.

“Rugby is a small world, and if you’re a good bloke, you work hard, you’re honest, and bring energy to a club, that goes around, and that’s exactly what you hear about Courtney.

“He wants to bring people with him and lead from the front, and I love that. Plus, he’s captained England and knows what it’s like to play and win on the biggest stage.

“I can’t wait to see him train and play with us, but from a coaching perspective, I’m really looking forward to working with someone I’ve heard so many good things about.

“Courtney believes in what we’re doing and wants to be part of the club. He’s coming back to try and win trophies and play international rugby again, and he believes he can do that with us.

“It’s another sign of the intent of the club and the passion and commitment of the owners to really put Sale on the map.”