Portugal Colonial - Lawes and Marchant told to prove themselves in quest for England recalls

The duo, both members of the 2023 World Cup squad, are now back in the English Prem at Sale after putting their England careers on hold during spells abroad in France.

Lawes could provide England with valuable back-row and leadership experience ahead of next year's World Cup in Australia, with Marchant another alternative in a midfield where Borthwick has struggled to field a settled combination.

But England defence coach Richard Wigglesworth said Tuesday that Lawes and Marchant must prove their worth in the early rounds of the new Prem season ahead of the November section of the inaugural Nations Championship.

"We want as much quality as we can have in the league but they are going to have to go and play well," Wigglesworth said.

"There are some good players in the room and to pick them you have to leave someone else out, so they would have to go over and above that I would say.

"It's great to have Courtney back. He has unbelievable experience, is an England legend and has been flying in pre-season, as everyone is."

Lawes retired from international rugby union after the last World Cup but the return of the Northampton great to the Prem has raised the possibility of him adding to his tally of 105 caps and featuring at Australia 2027 as a 38-year-old.

"I couldn't have given up the chance of England because I didn't play as much as loads of people," said former scrum-half Wigglesworth, who won 33 caps.

"But Courtney has said 'I've got an itch here and I'm coming back'... That level of determination and the qualities he has should put himself in a good spot. Experience, he has certainly got that. We are keen to watch him play."

S.Pimentel--PC