Lawes returns: england legend eyes world cup comeback at 38
Courtney Lawes, the seasoned England lock, is poised for a remarkable return to international rugby after securing a one-year deal with Sale Sharks. The move, announced this week, has reignited hopes for a potential resurgence at the 2027 World Cup, defying his previous retirement declaration following the 2023 tournament.
Sanderson's confidence: more than just a paycheck
Sale’s director of rugby, Alex Sanderson, emphatically dismissed suggestions that Lawes’ arrival at Manchester is merely a lucrative end-of-career move. “We wouldn’t have signed him if he was only after a paycheck,” Sanderson stated, highlighting the veteran’s continued statistical relevance and on-field impact. The director’s faith stems from Lawes’ proven ability to contribute dynamically, possessing both ferocious physicality and a surprising technical finesse.
Lawes himself, approaching 38 next February, exudes unwavering self-belief. “My body feels good, and I'm still performing at a high level,” he asserted, echoing Sanderson’s assessment. “I feel like I can compete with the best… and if I retired now, I’d probably regret it when I was older.” The lure of a potential return to the England squad, coupled with a desire to maximize his playing career, clearly fuels his ambition.
Crisis at sale: jibulu's disciplinary hearing looms
However, Sale faces immediate challenges ahead of Saturday’s Champions Cup quarter-final clash against Leinster in Dublin. A potential manpower crisis is brewing, exacerbated by injuries to key England squad members Luke Cowan-Dickie and Bevan Rodd. Adding to the woes, hooker Nathan Jibulu is awaiting the outcome of a disciplinary hearing following a biting incident involving his former Harlequins teammate, Will Hobson. The incident, occurring during Sale’s victory over Quins, casts a shadow over the squad’s preparations.
The situation surrounding Jibulu is particularly noteworthy. Sanderson has already lauded the 23-year-old's potential, predicting he will become “brilliant” and suggesting he possesses the attributes to become an international hooker. His availability, or lack thereof, will significantly impact Sale’s forward options and potentially Steve Borthwick’s selection process for England’s upcoming tour to South Africa.
Lawes’ decision to return to England’s orbit is a testament to his enduring quality and the shifting landscape of modern rugby. At 37, he remains a formidable force, capable of delivering both leadership and impactful performances. Whether he can truly recapture the form that propelled him to 105 England caps and four World Cups remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Courtney Lawes isn’t ready to fade quietly into retirement.