Former England star Courtney Lawes in talks over sensational switch to French tier-two side – report

Northampton Saints and former England utility forward Courtney Lawes is the latest Premiership player who is negotiating a move to France, according to French media reports.

Lawes, who announced his retirement from international rugby after last year’s Rugby World Cup in France, is reportedly in negotiations with PRO D2 outfit Provence.

Visited Provence’s facilities

Rugbyrama revealed on Sunday that the 34-year-old visited Provence’s facilities on Saturday and also met with members of the French second division club’s staff.

“The two parties discussed the Provençal project and a one or two-year contract. The ball is now in the court of the player and those around him,” said the report.

Lawes had previously been linked with a possible move to Top 14 heavyweights Toulon, who are keen to strengthen their squad with players from the Premiership, where the clubs’ budgets are much tighter.

Provence are in the running for promotion to the Top 14 and are currently in third position in the PRO D2 standings after the completion of 15 matches, behind table-toppers Vannes and Béziers.

Their promotion hopes were dealt a blow in the latest round of matches on Thursday when they suffered a surprising 45-10 defeat to Grenoble, who occupy 12th position on the table, at the Stade des Alpes.

Provence are an ambitious club, who have already signed Wales duo George North and Tomas Francis.

Shone for England at the World Cup

Lawes was one of England‘s star performers at the World Cup, where they suffered a narrow one-point defeat to eventual champions South Africa. He is a one-club man who made his debut for Northampton Saints way back in 2007.

His potential move follows last week’s rumour which linked Saracens and England fly-half and captain Owen Farrell to a switch to Top 14 side Racing 92.

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