Courtney Lawes Ends International Retirement and Signs With Sale Sharks

Lawes Makes Shock Return to English Rugby With Sale Sharks

Courtney Lawes, one of England's most decorated rugby players, has announced he is reversing his international retirement after confirming a move to Sale Sharks for the 2026-27 Premiership season. The 37-year-old lock forward made the announcement through Sale's official channels, declaring himself available for England selection once again.

"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," Lawes said.

A Career Built on Silverware and Big Occasions

Lawes enjoyed a distinguished 14-year international career with England, earning his first cap in 2009, two years after making his club debut for Northampton Saints in 2007. During that remarkable England journey, he was part of three Six Nations title-winning campaigns — in 2016, 2017, and 2020 — including the memorable 2016 Grand Slam triumph.

On the world stage, Lawes represented England across four Rugby World Cups. The tournament that defined his international legacy came in 2019 in Japan, where England reached the final in Yokohama before falling to South Africa. His final cap came in the 2023 World Cup semi-final in Paris, where the Springboks once again ended England's campaign.

Club Success to Match His International Honours

At club level, Lawes spent the bulk of his career at Northampton Saints, where he became a beloved figure and a genuine leader. He was part of the Saints side that claimed the Premiership title in 2014 and later captained the club to another championship triumph in 2024, signing off with a memorable final appearance against Bath at Twickenham.

Following that crowning moment, Lawes moved to French Top 14 side Brive in 2024, making 39 appearances across two seasons before deciding he wanted to return to elite English rugby.

Why Sale Was the Perfect Fit

Lawes revealed that only a handful of clubs could have tempted him back to the Premiership, and Sale quickly emerged as the ideal destination thanks to a combination of personal and professional reasons.

"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," he explained.

"I think Sale have got a brilliant squad, and hopefully I can add to that. I just want to finish my career playing at the top level."

Sale's Director of Rugby Thrilled by High-Profile Signing

Sale's director of rugby Alex Sanderson welcomed the news with clear enthusiasm, framing the signing as a powerful statement of the club's ambitions.

"This is a sign of intent from our owners to put this club on the map," Sanderson said. "He wants to lead from the front, bring people with him — and I love that attitude. He's captained England and knows what it takes to perform and win on the biggest stages. I can't wait to work with him."

Can Lawes Earn an England Recall at 37?

While Lawes' age naturally invites some caution around the prospect of an international comeback, the mere fact that he has publicly declared himself available suggests he has full confidence in both his fitness and his form.

When Lawes departed for Brive in 2024, he was arguably playing some of the finest rugby of his entire career — a remarkable statement for a player at that stage of his journey. Whether he can recapture those heights in the Premiership remains to be seen, but his arrival will unquestionably strengthen Sale both on the field and in the dressing room.

England head coach Steve Borthwick will no doubt be watching Lawes' progression at Sale closely, as the veteran lock looks to write one final compelling chapter in an already extraordinary rugby story.