Courtney Lawes Calls for England to End Overseas Player Restriction

Courtney Lawes has called for England to make overseas-based players eligible for international selection, arguing that the national team should have access to its strongest available squad. BBC Sport reported that the 37-year-old believes the current restriction should be reconsidered as several established English players continue their club careers in France.

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Lawes is eligible for England again after signing a one-year contract with Sale following two seasons at Brive in France’s second tier. The forward, who has won 105 caps, initially retired from Test rugby after England’s 2023 Rugby World Cup semi-final defeat by South Africa. He had left Northampton after helping the club win the domestic title the following year.

England’s policy generally limits selection to players at domestic clubs, giving the Rugby Football Union and the Premiership greater access to and control over internationals. Domestic clubs also receive central payments, while players considering contracts abroad know that a move can put their England careers on hold. Toulouse flanker Jack Willis is among the prominent players currently unavailable under the rule.

Lawes acknowledged the reason for protecting the domestic game but said England should not limit its options. He argued that selecting the best players could help the national side perform and support wider interest in the sport. BBC Sport noted that South Africa, Australia and Scotland regularly use overseas-based players, while New Zealand, France and Ireland also favor home-based selection.

England head coach Steve Borthwick has not included Lawes or fellow Sale recruit Joe Marchant in his first training camp of the season. According to the report, Borthwick wants both returning players to demonstrate their form in the Premiership before coming under consideration. Lawes accepted that approach, saying his immediate priority is establishing himself at Sale rather than assuming an England recall.

Lawes played 80 minutes as Sale beat Bath 50-28 in the Premiership Rugby Cup on Sunday. He said retirement remained an option last season, alongside staying at Brive or returning to England, but decided he could continue competing. His move has reopened the possibility of adding to his Test record, although any recall will depend on his domestic performances and Borthwick’s assessment.