Courtney Lawes, a veteran of English rugby, has stated that the national team's selection criteria should expand to include players based overseas. This stance contrasts with the current approach, which favors players contracted to domestic Premiership clubs. Lawes, who has recently returned to English club rugby with Sale after a stint in France, believes this policy could benefit the national team.
England coach Steve Borthwick has previously adopted a similar strategy, requiring players like Owen Farrell to return from overseas clubs before being considered for selection. Borthwick recently opted not to include Lawes and his Sale teammate Joe Marchant in his first training camp of the season, asking them to prove their form in the Premiership first.
Lawes, who initially retired from Test rugby after the 2023 Rugby World Cup semi-final, acknowledged speaking with Borthwick about his return to England. He understands the coach's desire to see him perform in the domestic league before reconsidering him for international duty. "He knows I'm coming back and he's going keep an eye on me, but he wants to see me play in the Prem first and I think that's a good idea," Lawes said.
This approach differs from some of England's rivals, such as New Zealand, France, and Ireland, who primarily select home-based players. However, other nations, including South Africa, Australia, and Scotland, frequently select players from leagues abroad. Lawes spent two years playing in France and feels that his return to the Premiership is an opportunity to demonstrate his current form before focusing on potential England selection.
The Rugby Football Union (RFU) benefits from having players at domestic clubs through central payments and has a greater ability to retain its top talent, who would otherwise face international exile if they moved overseas. Lawes's perspective suggests a potential shift in how England views player eligibility, prioritizing form and performance regardless of playing location.