Lawes to leave Brive and make Prem return in England

Former England captain Courtney Lawes is set to leave French side Brive at the end of the season.

Lawes joined the Pro D2 club two years ago after captaining Northampton Saints to their first Prem Rugby title in 10 years in 2024.

In a statement, Brive said Lawes has a "desire to seize the opportunity of a new challenge" back in England, with Leicester Tigers reportedly interested in signing the 37-year-old flanker.

Lawes retired from international rugby at the end of the 2023 World Cup in France but playing in the Prem again could open the door to an England return.

Rugby Football Union (RFU) overseas rules means head coach Steve Borthwick can only pick players for next year's tournament in Australia who are based in England.

"I'm having an experience in Brive that I'll never forget, both on and off the pitch," said Lawes.

"I'm going to give it my all until the end of the season to finish this adventure with CAB in the best possible way."

Brive president Thierry Blandinieres said Lawes arrived at the club "with humility and ambition" and has "shown the full extent of his talent since his first day".

Lawes was given his first England cap in 2009 and as well as the 2023 World Cup, he also played in the 2011, 2015 and 2019 tournaments.