Courtney Lawes could potentially extend his international rugby career by appearing in a fifth Rugby World Cup, according to comments from England head coach Steve Borthwick. The 37-year-old flanker, who has earned 105 caps for England, retired from Test rugby following the 2023 tournament but is now aiming for a return when the next World Cup takes place in 2027.

Lawes is set to rejoin the Premiership next season with Sale Sharks after spending the past two years playing for French club Brive. While Borthwick has indicated that he will not select Lawes for the upcoming summer Tests against South Africa, Fiji, and Argentina, he confirmed that the player remains on his radar for the autumn internationals later this year.

The England coach highlighted Lawes’s leadership and experience as valuable assets, especially in light of England’s disappointing performance in this year’s Six Nations Championship. Borthwick emphasized Lawes’s proven ability in high-pressure situations, citing a pivotal turnover Lawes secured during England’s quarter-final match against Fiji in the previous World Cup as an example of his impact on the field.

In addition to Lawes, Borthwick is also monitoring centre Joe Marchant, who is returning to Sale Sharks after a spell with Stade Français in France. The head coach has maintained contact with both players and has been tracking their progress overseas.

If Lawes does manage to compete in the 2027 World Cup, he would join an elite group of players who have appeared in five tournaments. This list includes Italian veterans Mauro Bergamasco and Sergio Parisse, as well as Samoa’s Brian Lima.

Borthwick described Lawes as a player who exemplifies the character needed to succeed at the highest level, praising his ability to step up in critical moments for the team. With Lawes potentially returning to England duty, his experience and leadership could address the areas in which the national side struggled during recent international competitions.