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Courtney Lawes Set to Conclude Rugby Career in France with Brive
Courtney Lawes, former England captain at the age of 35, revealed on Friday his decision to depart from English Premiership leaders Northampton at the culmination of the season, opting to join Brive in France due to an enticing offer from the French outfit.
Having devoted his entire 17-season senior rugby career to his hometown club, Lawes had previously expressed his desire to remain loyal to Northampton and conclude his career as a one-club man. However, with his 105-cap England career coming to a close after the last year’s World Cup in France, the allure of a lucrative move to the French second-tier club proved too compelling for the versatile back-five forward.
In a statement released by the club, Lawes acknowledged the efforts made by Northampton to retain his services: “I want to make it clear that I really would have liked to end my career as a one-club man, and Saints did absolutely everything they possibly could to make that happen – our conversations were all very positive.” He continued, “But, first and foremost, I have to make sure that my family and I are in the best position possible for my retirement, which will be in the next couple of years.”
Lawes, who has also represented the British and Irish Lions in five Tests, emphasized the significance of the decision, stating, “This is likely to be the last contract I’ll ever sign, and the offer I have received to play overseas will be transformational for my family, so there was no way I could turn it down and I took the decision to move away from Northampton.”
With a staggering 274 appearances for Northampton, Lawes joins the ranks of other notable England internationals making the transition to France. Among them is fellow former England captain Owen Farrell, who is set to embark on a new chapter with Top 14 side Racing 92 in the upcoming season.
Lawes’s move signifies a significant shift in his illustrious career trajectory, marking a new chapter in his journey as he prepares to make an impact in the French rugby landscape. As he bids farewell to Northampton, Lawes leaves behind a legacy of dedication and excellence, while embracing the opportunity for new challenges and experiences in the vibrant rugby culture of France.
