Courtney Lawes is set to make a sensational return to the Gallagher Premiership, joining Sale Sharks next season and coming out of international retirement. The move, orchestrated by Sale's forwards coach Dorian West, marks a significant coup for the club, reuniting Lawes with the English top flight after his stint in France with Brive.
The connection between Lawes and West goes back to their days at Northampton, where West, affectionately known as Nobby, first coached the towering lock. West, who has the unique experience of coaching and playing alongside some of England's rugby legends, was instrumental in Lawes' decision to return. "Courtney has maintained such high standards of fitness and performance; his age is just a number," West explained. The respect between the two is palpable, with West emphasizing, "Courtney has looked after himself so well over the years that his age isn’t a concern at all."
"He’s still got lots to offer, still putting his body on the line week in week out, still setting standards."
The buzz at Sale Sharks is tangible, not just among the coaching staff but also among the players. The prospect of playing alongside Lawes has injected a fresh wave of enthusiasm within the team. Luke Cowan-Dickie, one of England's seasoned players, couldn't hide his excitement, asking West, "Is it true, Nobby? We’re signing The Enforcer? Courts is joining?" This sentiment is echoed by George Ford and the Curry brothers, highlighting the impact Lawes is expected to have on the team both on and off the field.
West sees Lawes' return as a boon for the younger players at Sale, a chance to learn from one of the best. "If some of our young lads can take half of what he’s brought over the years, and develop their games on the back of seeing how he conducts himself, it’s a massive positive for the club," he remarked, underscoring the dual role of mentor and player that Lawes will adopt.
Amidst these developments, Sale Sharks are gearing up for a challenging encounter against Leinster in Dublin for a place in the semi-finals of the Champions Cup. Despite the underdog tag, West is optimistic about their chances, drawing parallels to his unexpected auction win years ago when his World Cup final jersey fetched half a million pounds for charity. "We’ll be underdogs, won’t we? But we play with a physicality and an attention to detail in the set-piece. I think we’ll be more than a challenge for them," West confidently stated.
The return of Courtney Lawes to English rugby is not just a transfer; it's a homecoming that promises to elevate the game for Sale Sharks and provide a narrative rich with experience, leadership, and an undiminished zeal for the sport.
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Courtney Lawes is set to make a sensational return to the Gallagher Premiership, joining Sale Sharks next season and coming out of international retirement. The move, orchestrated by Sale's forwards coach Dorian West, marks a significant coup for the club, reuniting Lawes with the English top flight after his stint in France with Brive.
The connection between Lawes and West goes back to their days at Northampton, where West, affectionately known as Nobby, first coached the towering lock. West, who has the unique experience of coaching and playing alongside some of England's rugby legends, was instrumental in Lawes' decision to return. "Courtney has maintained such high standards of fitness and performance; his age is just a number," West explained. The respect between the two is palpable, with West emphasizing, "Courtney has looked after himself so well over the years that his age isn’t a concern at all."
"He’s still got lots to offer, still putting his body on the line week in week out, still setting standards."
The buzz at Sale Sharks is tangible, not just among the coaching staff but also among the players. The prospect of playing alongside Lawes has injected a fresh wave of enthusiasm within the team. Luke Cowan-Dickie, one of England's seasoned players, couldn't hide his excitement, asking West, "Is it true, Nobby? We’re signing The Enforcer? Courts is joining?" This sentiment is echoed by George Ford and the Curry brothers, highlighting the impact Lawes is expected to have on the team both on and off the field.
West sees Lawes' return as a boon for the younger players at Sale, a chance to learn from one of the best. "If some of our young lads can take half of what he’s brought over the years, and develop their games on the back of seeing how he conducts himself, it’s a massive positive for the club," he remarked, underscoring the dual role of mentor and player that Lawes will adopt.
Amidst these developments, Sale Sharks are gearing up for a challenging encounter against Leinster in Dublin for a place in the semi-finals of the Champions Cup. Despite the underdog tag, West is optimistic about their chances, drawing parallels to his unexpected auction win years ago when his World Cup final jersey fetched half a million pounds for charity. "We’ll be underdogs, won’t we? But we play with a physicality and an attention to detail in the set-piece. I think we’ll be more than a challenge for them," West confidently stated.
The return of Courtney Lawes to English rugby is not just a transfer; it's a homecoming that promises to elevate the game for Sale Sharks and provide a narrative rich with experience, leadership, and an undiminished zeal for the sport.