Portugal Colonial - Ex-England rugby international Lawes to leave Brive

The 37-year-old, capped 105 times and a member of the England side that lost to South Africa in the 2019 Rugby World Cup final, has been at Brive since 2024.

Lawes, who can play both in the second and back row, retired from the Test arena after the 2023 World Cup, the fourth of his career.

"CAB (Brive) would have loved that Courtney Lawes finish his career at Brive but understands his desire to take on another challenge in the country of his birth and wishes him success in this new adventure," the club said in a statement.

"The club is very proud to have had a world rugby legend and one of the greatest backrow forwards of his generation wear its colours."

Lawes, who won three Six Nations titles — including the 2016 Grand Slam — said he had thoroughly enjoyed his time at Brive, where he has made 37 appearances.

"I will never forget my time at Brive, both from a human as well as a sporting point of view," he said.

"I will give it my all till the end of the season in order to finish this adventure with Brive in the best possible manner."

Brive lie fifth in the table, with five matches remaining, which would be good enough for them to compete in the promotion play-offs.

N.Esteves--PC