Courtney Lawes to stay in England despite overseas offers

Despite rumours surrounding his future, Courtney Lawes has signed a new deal with Northampton Saints that will see him stay at Franklin’s Gardens.

The 34-year-old forward has played 263 games for the Saints since making his debut in 2007, winning a series of trophies and establishing himself as one of the club’s greatest players of all time.

Lawes’ commitment to the Saints is significant, especially as there was speculation that the war chest of director of rugby Phil Dowson might not be able to compete with offers from France and Japan for the totemic forward.

Lawes’ commitment to the Saints is not only good news for the club, but also for Steve Borthwick’s England, who are likely to see Lawes as an intrinsic part of their Rugby World Cup plans later this year.

Lawes has been regular for England since his international debut against Australia in 2009, representing his country at three World Cups,  winning three Six Nations titles and a first Grand Slam for 13 years in 2016.

“The club means a lot to me personally, and I wanted to stay here – I especially didn’t want to leave at the end of a season where I’ve not played much, and I’ve not made as big a contribution as I would have wanted,” said Lawes.

“It wouldn’t have felt right to me to leave now, so I was really keen to continue at Saints for that reason, but also because it’s so important for us as a squad to continue to build on what we’ve done over the last few seasons.

“I feel like I can be a big help on that front, bringing plenty of experience and leadership to the group, and I believe that we have everything in place at Saints to win silverware in the near future.

“The Club’s supporters are very important to me as well. The team’s ability and potential on the field speaks for itself, but the fans are also special, and I want to keep on delivering what I can for them in a Saints shirt.”

Lawes has been a standout performer for the Saints, as well as for England and the British & Irish Lions. He has won numerous individual awards and helped lead the Saints to some of their most memorable victories.

Raised close to the Saints’ home ground at Franklin’s Gardens, Lawes came through the club’s academy and played a key role in their promotion back to the Premiership in 2007. He has since gone on to lift the European Challenge Cup, the Anglo-Welsh Cup, and the Heineken Champions Cup with the Saints.

Arguably Lawes’ greatest moment with the Saints came in 2014, when he was instrumental in their first-ever Premiership title and their second Challenge Cup trophy. His contributions to the team have been recognized by the club’s supporters, who voted him their Player of the Season in 2019/20.

“We’re delighted Courtney has signed a new contract to stay at the Club. He’s an incredible player – one of the very best in the world whether he’s playing in the second row or flanker.

“His international experience with England and the Lions is almost unparalleled, but off the field he gives our group so much in terms of confidence and leadership.

“As he’s got older, he’s really grown into that leadership role and has become a bit of a mentor for a lot of players within our squad, so he’s a class act and a good man.

“I’m sure a lot of clubs over in France and Japan would have been keen to see Courtney turn out for them over the next few years. I know our supporters will be thrilled that he has decided to stay in Northampton and remain a one-club man, as he’s one of the best to have ever worn Black, Green and Gold.

“I’m pleased Courtney sees the ambition within this group, and that he shares our belief that we have the quality and drive to challenge consistently for silverware over the coming years.

“On a personal level, he’s disappointed that this season due to injuries he’s not been able to contribute as much as he’d like. So, now he wants to show what he’s capable of week in, week out – which sits along our ambition as a squad to do the same.”