Rugby World Cup 2027: Sale Sharks have confirmed that former England captain Courtney Lawes will be returning to English rugby after his time in France comes to an end. The move follows earlier news from French club Brive, who announced that Lawes would leave them at the end of the season, sparking speculation that he could be heading back to the Premiership.
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That speculation has now been confirmed, with Sale securing the experienced forward on a one-year contract that will begin at the start of the 2026/27 season. Lawes, now 37, remains one of the most respected figures in English rugby thanks to a career.
That has spanned more than a decade at the highest level. Known for his versatility, he has built a reputation as a player who can perform equally well in the second row or in the back row. Throughout his international career, he earned 105 caps for England across 14 years.
Taking part in four Rugby World Cups and representing the British and Irish Lions on two tours. He added five Lions caps to his impressive resume. At club level, Lawes spent the majority of his career with Northampton Saints, the team he supported growing up.
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Rugby World Cup: England Return Remains a Possibility
He made nearly 300 appearances for the club and became one of their most influential leaders. His leadership reached its peak in 2024 when he captained Northampton Saints to their first Premiership title in ten years.
Shortly after that triumph, he decided to continue his career abroad by joining French Pro D2 side Brive. Lawes has now spent two seasons playing in the south of France, gaining valuable experience in a different rugby environment. However, the desire to compete again in England’s top competition has drawn him back across the English Channel.
By joining Sale Sharks, he will have one more opportunity to challenge for the Premiership title, which remains the biggest domestic prize in English rugby. There is also the possibility that strong performances at club level could open the door for a return to the England national team setup under head coach Steve Borthwick.
Speaking about the move, Lawes shared his excitement about returning to Premiership rugby and joining Sale. He explained that after spending a couple of years away from the English league, he feels motivated to finish his career playing at the highest level possible.
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Rugby World Cup: Lawes Driven to Finish Career on His Terms
He believes Sale already has a strong and talented squad and hopes that his experience can help push the team even further when he arrives. Lawes also addressed questions about his fitness and longevity, making it clear that he still feels capable of competing with the best players in the game.
He said his body feels good and that he continues to perform at a high standard. In his view, retiring now would leave him with regrets later in life, especially knowing he still can contribute on the field.
He pointed out that professional rugby careers are short compared to most other professions. So, he wants to make the most of the time he has left by giving his all for at least one more season. When discussing why he chose Sale as his next destination, Lawes revealed that there were only a couple of Premiership clubs he seriously considered.
Northampton Saints remained a natural option because of his long history there, but Sale stood out for personal reasons as well. His wife’s family lives in Cheshire, which made the move an attractive choice for family life. He also mentioned that he will be reunited with several familiar faces at the club, including former England teammates and coaches he has worked with earlier in his career.
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