Courtney Lawes in shock England return as PREM rivals heavily linked with centurion’s signature
Courtney Lawes in shock England return as PREM rivals heavily linked with centurion's signature
Pro D2 side, CA Brive, have announced the upcoming departure of former international Courtney Lawes, who is now expected to return to England after two years spent in Corrèze.
The 37-year-old will exit the club at the end of the season, having arrived from Northampton Saints in 2024, where he had spent 17 years of his professional career.
A statement from the club read: “CAB would have liked Courtney Lawes to finish his career in Brive but understands his desire to seize the opportunity of a new challenge in his native country and wishes him every success in this new adventure in England.
“The club is very proud to have had in its ranks one of the legends of world rugby and one of the best back-row forwards of his generation.
“Since arriving in Corrèze, Courtney Lawes has put all his qualities and experience at the service of the team and the club knows that it can count on his unwavering commitment until the end of the season.”
Toulon’s boss praises ‘outstanding’ halfback duo as ‘destiny’ turns against South African opposition
Linked with Midlands rivals
Lawes has recently been linked with a return to the PREM, with midlands rivals Leicester rumoured to be interested in bringing the England centurion to Welford Road. They have recently confirmed the signing of his former international teammate Mako Vunipola from fellow Pro D2 club Vannes, so to call upon Lawes’ services wouldn’t be a far-fetched proposition.
Lawes reflected on his time in France, saying: “I’m having an experience in Brive that I’ll never forget, both on and off the pitch. I’m going to give it my all until the end of the season to finish this adventure with CAB in the best possible way. My family and I have been very warmly welcomed in Corrèze and we will always have Brive at heart.“
Want more from Planet Rugby? Add us as a preferred source on Google to your favourites list for world-class coverage you can trust.
Commenting on this decision, the president of CA Brive, Thierry Blandinières, said: “We are very proud to say that Courtney Lawes will have been a Brive player for two seasons. He arrived here with humility and ambition and has shown the full extent of his talent since his first day in Brive. He gave everything for the club and he will continue to give everything until the end of his adventure in Black and White.”