Courtney Lawes, the legendary England and British & Irish Lions flanker, could be set for one of international rugby's most remarkable comebacks. His new club director at Sale Sharks, Alex Sanderson, has boldly backed the 37-year-old to not only return to the England squad but to feature at the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.
Lawes, who retired from international duty after the 2023 World Cup, is currently playing in the French second division with Brive. However, his move to Sale next season puts him back on the radar for England selection, reigniting the possibility of a fifth World Cup campaign for the 105-cap veteran.
"We can get him to a World Cup in great form, in good shape," Sanderson stated confidently. He dismissed concerns about Lawes' age, pointing to the forward's enduring physicality and recent performances. "He's clearly extremely robust, he's playing some of his best rugby... there's no reason why, given his ambition, that he can't get to a World Cup in great shape."
Lawes is a marquee part of a significant recruitment drive at Sale, joining a wave of experienced international talent like Joe Marchant, Alex Lozowski, and Welsh props Nicky Smith and Tomas Francis. This infusion of quality signals Sale's intent to build a pack capable of dominating the Premiership and providing the perfect platform for Lawes' talents.
With Sale's season winding down, Sanderson is now looking to channel personal motivations to fuel his squad. This Sunday, they host Saracens—Sanderson's former club—in a fixture laden with extra spice. Sale suffered a humiliating 65-14 defeat in the reverse fixture, a result Saracens memorably celebrated on social media with a video of a fish (a 'Shark') being fried.
"I'm still hurting from the result down there," Sanderson admitted. "We got stuffed and then got our faces rubbed in it... so that still stings. There's a little bit of dented pride to sort out." For Sale and their fans, the chance for redemption against their rivals, and the exciting prospect of seeing a refreshed Courtney Lawes in Sharks colours next season, provides plenty to look forward to.