Courtney Lawes will leave CA Brive at the end of the season. This brings his two-year spell in France to a close and ends his rugby exile as a move to Sale Sharks looks to be finalised.
The 37-year-old’s return to the Gallagher Premiership puts him straight back into the England conversation, with the next Rugby World Cup cycle already taking shape.
Brive confirmed his departure this week.
The club had hoped he would finish his career in Corrèze, but accepted his decision to return home.
Since arriving in France, Lawes has delivered consistent performances and brought leadership to a developing squad.
His return from exile carries real weight for both club and country.
At Sale, Lawes will strengthen a pack already known for its physical edge.
He covers both lock and blindside flanker, giving the side valuable flexibility across the forward unit.
He also brings leadership, defensive organisation and big-game experience — all key for a team pushing for Premiership honours.
Even now, his core strengths remain clear.
He dominates collisions, leads the lineout and sets defensive standards.
Sale will expect him to raise the level of those around him.
That impact could extend to England.
Under Steve Borthwick, competition in the forward pack has increased.
Maro Itoje and Ollie Chessum have established themselves at lock, while the back row continues to evolve.
Lawes now re-enters that picture.
His versatility gives England another option across two positions, and his experience offers something different to a group still developing.
While younger players bring energy, Lawes brings control and composure in tight games.
With the World Cup approaching, those qualities matter.
If he performs well at Sale, he could push for a place in the squad and offer depth in key matches.
Club Statement
Brive president Thierry Blandinières praised his impact during his time in France.
“We are very proud to say that Courtney Lawes will have been a Brive player for two seasons,”
“He arrived with humility and ambition and showed his talent from day one.
He gave everything for the club and will continue to do so until the end of the season.”
Lawes also spoke positively about his time abroad.
“I’m having an experience in Brive that I’ll never forget, both on and off the pitch,”
“I’ll give everything until the end of the season to finish this adventure in the best possible way.”
For now, his focus stays on Brive.
But with his exile ending, attention has already shifted to what comes next — a return to English rugby and a possible final chapter on the international stage.
