Courtney Lawes calls for England to select overseas-based rugby players
2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 7, 2026, 5:36 PM
Last updated Sep 7, 2026
Courtney Lawes says England should remove restrictions preventing players based at overseas clubs from competing for the national team. The 37-year-old, who recently joined Sale after a two-season stint in the French second tier, argues that selection should prioritize the best available talent regardless of location. England head coach Steve Borthwick currently maintains a policy of prioritizing domestic-based players, and he has asked Lawes and teammate Joe Marchant to demonstrate form in the Premiership before considering them for selection. Several English players, including Jack Willis, currently compete in France and remain ineligible for the national squad under the current guidelines. Lawes, who holds 105 England caps, suggests that abandoning these geographical limitations could help the national team improve after a mixed 2025-26 season.
- •Courtney Lawes advocates for selecting England players regardless of their club location.
- •Steve Borthwick requires players to compete in the Premiership to be considered for international duty.
- •Jack Willis and several other English players remain ineligible while playing for French clubs.
- •Lawes played 80 minutes in a 50-28 victory for Sale against Bath on Sunday.
- •England struggled during the 2025-26 Six Nations after a strong showing in the autumn.
- 5:36 PMYahoo Sports — Allow overseas stars to play for England - Lawes
- 5:30 PMBBC Sport — Allow overseas stars to play for England - Lawes
"England selection should no longer be restricted to players based at domestic clubs, according to cap centurion Courtney Lawes.
"England selection should no longer be restricted to players based at domestic clubs, according to cap centurion Courtney Lawes.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsSep 7, 2026, 5:36 PMAllow overseas stars to play for England - Lawes
England selection should no longer be restricted to players based at domestic clubs, according to cap centurion Courtney Lawes.
- BBC SportSep 7, 2026, 5:30 PMAllow overseas stars to play for England - Lawes
England selection should no longer be restricted to players based at domestic clubs, according to cap centurion Courtney Lawes.
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