Lawes, Marchant told to earn England recall

Courtney Lawes and Joe Marchant have been warned by England defence coach Richard Wigglesworth that returning to the Premiership will not automatically earn them a Test recall, with both players needing to prove themselves for Sale Sharks before the autumn internationals.

Lawes and Marchant Back in England Contention

Both players are eligible for England again after returning from France to join Sale ahead of the 2026-27 season.

Lawes and Marchant were both members of England’s 2023 Rugby World Cup squad before spells in France put their international careers on hold under England’s overseas selection policy.

Their return to the Prem has reopened the possibility of selection ahead of the November section of the inaugural Nations Championship.

Richard Wigglesworth Demands Strong Sale Form

Wigglesworth said both players would need to perform strongly in the opening rounds of the Prem to force their way back into Steve Borthwick’s plans.

He stressed that England already have established players competing for places, meaning Lawes and Marchant would need to produce performances strong enough to justify leaving someone else out.

“We want as much quality as we can have in the league but they are going to have to go and play well,” Wigglesworth said.

“There are some good players in the room and to pick them you have to leave someone else out, so they would have to go over and above that I would say.

“It’s great to have Courtney back. He has unbelievable experience, is an England legend and has been flying in pre-season, as everyone is.”

Marchant offers another option in England’s midfield, while Lawes brings considerable experience, leadership and back-row versatility.

Courtney Lawes Eyes England Comeback

Lawes retired from international rugby after the 2023 World Cup but has since reopened the door to an England return.

The former Northampton forward has won 105 England caps and could potentially push for selection at the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia, when he would be 38.

Wigglesworth praised Lawes’ determination and experience, saying England’s coaches were keen to monitor his performances closely.

“I couldn’t have given up the chance of England because I didn’t play as much as loads of people,” said Wigglesworth.

“But Courtney has said ‘I’ve got an itch here and I’m coming back’… That level of determination and the qualities he has should put himself in a good spot. Experience, he has certainly got that. We are keen to watch him play.”