Sale Sharks have announced the signing of Northampton Saints and England legend Courtney Lawes ahead of next season.
In a statement, the 37 year-old stated that he is "officially unretiring from international duty", with his move back to the English top flight making him eligible to add to his 105 international caps.
A versatile forward, with the ability to play at both lock and in the back row, Lawes will offer depth and experience to both club and country - should he find his best form.
The timing of his return to the English game couldn't be much better, with Steve Borthwick's side gearing up for the 2027 Rugby World Cup, in what could be Lawes' final swansong.
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
Courtney Lawes in a statement on Sale Sharks' website.
Having appeared almost 300 times and winning two Gallagher Prem titles for boyhood club Northampton Saints, Lawes called time on his 17-year career with the club in 2024, ending his status as a one-club-man in the process.
Speaking on his decision to join Sale, Lawes said: “I’m really excited to be joining Sale. I’ve been out of the Prem now for a couple of years and I just want to finish my career playing at a the top level. I think Sale have got a brilliant squad so hopefully I can add to that and we’ll see what we can do next year."
“My body feels good and I’m still performing at a high level. I feel like I can compete with the best of them, and then some, and I think if I retired now, I’d probably regret it when I was older" he continued.
“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."
Sharks Director of Rugby Alex Sanderson said: “Courtney is the kind of player and person that suits this club. He’s robust, dynamic around the park and he hits hard, but he has a fantastic skillset that means he’s so much more than just a banger."
“Rugby is a small world and if you’re a good bloke, you work hard, you’re honest, and bring energy to a club, that goes around and that’s exactly what you hear about Courtney" he continued.
Speaking on the leadership brought by his new man, Sanderson said: “He wants to bring people with him and lead from the front and I love that. Plus he’s captained England and knows what it’s like to play and win on the biggest stage."
“I can’t wait to see him train and play with us, but from a coaching perspective I’m really looking forward to working with someone I’ve heard so many good things about."
Despite struggling for form so far this season, Sanderson was quick to highlight the ambition of his side, stating: “It’s another sign of the intent of the club and the passion and commitment of the owners to really put Sale on the map.”
The Sharks currently sit seventh in the Gallagher Prem so far this season, with their next match being their European Rugby Champions Cup quarter final away at Leinster this weekend.
