Another England legend set to make shock return from international retirement

Wednesday, 08 April 2026 at 07:50

byRugby Rucker

England could be set to welcome back another experienced figure to the international fold, with depth issues beginning to bite ahead of the summer.

Courtney Lawes has not been recalled by England — but the veteran forward has made himself available for selection again following his move to Sale Sharks.

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After stepping away from Test rugby, the former captain’s decision to return to the Prem has reopened the door to a potential England comeback.

While Lawes’ situation remains one to watch, England’s more immediate concern lies in the front row — where a growing injury list could force drastic action.

That could bring Mako Vunipola back into contention.

The experienced loosehead, who is set to join Leicester Tigers this summer, had been weighing up a switch to represent Tonga at the 2027 Rugby World Cup. He had also suggested he would be open to moving into coaching as his playing career winds down.

However, England’s current shortage may change those plans.

Bevan Rodd — who featured during the Six Nations in the absence of Fin Baxter — has now been ruled out for the rest of the season. Baxter himself has not played since mid-December due to a foot injury, and although a return is hoped for, he remains short of match fitness.

With options limited and the summer schedule looming, England may be forced to turn back to proven Test performers.

Vunipola, with his vast experience and scrummaging pedigree, is now firmly back in the frame — setting up the possibility of yet another high-profile international return.

Steve Borthwick set to recall three England veterans this summer

England’s 2026 Nations Championship campaign begins with a demanding run of fixtures:

Two brutal away Tests either side of a high-profile home fixture — a stretch that will test England physically, tactically, and mentally.

It is no coincidence, then, that Borthwick is looking toward experience.

Courtney Lawes: Built for battles like these

Few players are better suited to a trip that begins in South Africa than Courtney Lawes.

Ellis Park is one of the most hostile environments in world rugby — altitude, physicality, and relentless pressure. It’s the kind of arena where composure disappears quickly, and where Lawes has historically thrived.

Now set to join Sale Sharks, Lawes has made it clear his England story may not be over.

“I’m officially un-retiring from international duty,” he said recently, reopening the door many assumed had closed after the 2023 World Cup.

Crucially, the former captain is not seeking a sentimental recall. Instead, he has insisted any return must be earned through performance, adding: “If everything goes well, then hopefully England too.”

That mindset will appeal to Borthwick. Against South Africa’s power and Argentina’s edge, Lawes offers something England currently lack: certainty in chaos and authority in big moments.

Kyle Sinckler: A tour that demands edge

Tours like this are where tighthead props earn their reputations — exactly the environment suited to Kyle Sinckler.

South Africa’s scrum and Argentina’s confrontational pack will test England across consecutive weeks. It is no place for passengers.

Although his return has not yet been confirmed, Sinckler would walk straight back into the squad if available.

He has long made clear he wants to be involved in England’s journey toward the 2027 World Cup, and has previously spoken about his desire to return to the Premiership to strengthen his chances of selection.

Beyond eligibility, it’s his personality England have missed. At times, the side has looked too quiet — too reactive. Sinckler changes that instantly.

On a tour where confrontation is guaranteed, his return would bring bite as much as ballast.

Owen Farrell: Control in hostile territory

If the forwards set the tone, the fly-half controls the narrative — and that is where Owen Farrell becomes pivotal.

Trips to Argentina, in particular, are notoriously volatile. The crowd, the tempo swings, the emotional edge — all demand a calm decision-maker.

Farrell, quietly finding form again with Saracens, has not retired from international rugby. And for a team currently short on vocal leaders, his return would feel less like a gamble and more like a correction.

England’s recent struggles have often come when games lose structure. Farrell’s strength has always been restoring it — dictating territory, tempo, and mentality.

Against three very different opponents in a short window, that level of control could define the entire tour.