Courtney Lawes makes his feelings clear on why he didn’t rejoin Northampton

Thursday, 23 April 2026 at 13:07

byCharlie Elliott

Courtney Lawes has opened up about his decision to sign for Sale Sharks rather than return to Northampton Saints, the club where he spent 17 years before heading to France in 2024.

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The experienced 37-year-old, capable of playing both lock and in the back row, earned 105 international caps over a 14-year England career.

During that time, he featured in four Rugby World Cups and made five appearances for the British & Irish Lions across two tours.

At club level, Lawes made nearly 300 appearances for his childhood team, Northampton Saints, and led them to their first Gallagher Prem title in a decade in 2024.

That final in 2024, against Bath, marked his last outing in Saints colours before his move to French side Brive. As he prepared to return to England, speculation grew about a possible comeback to Northampton, but he ultimately chose a switch to Manchester instead.

Speaking on the For The Love Of Rugby podcast alongside former Leicester Tigers and England players Ben Youngs and Dan Cole, Lawes was asked whether joining Sale might impact how he is remembered at Saints.

Lawes replied: "You have to think about that. Ultimately I'd have loved to have played for Saints again.

"There are only two or three clubs I would have played for in the PREM: Bath, Sale and Saints, maybe Bristol but only because Gengey (Ellis Genge) is there.

"We did speak to Saints but it was a bit later on because I'd been waiting for an offer from Brive.

"It was a bit later on in the contractual season so the opportunity wasn't there to go to Saints unfortunately.

"But Sale being the second choice for me, with my wife's family being from there and they all support Sale, that was a nice thing to be able to do.

"We move and I did feel bad in a way to not be returning to Saints, but that's not always how it works.

"You can't have everything exactly how you want it and I'm quite happy with how it's gone."

When asked what he would say to Saints supporters, Lawes added: "It's not because I didn't want to come back to Saints.

"I've got an opportunity to do something truly unique (playing for England in five World Cups) and things happen.

"I'll always watch Saints and be a supporter of Saints so it's been great to see how they've done this season.

"It speaks for itself that Northampton Saints will always be my hometown club and I'll always support them, even though I'm playing against them."

Sale Sharks Splash the Cash On 11 New Signings

From established internationals to high-upside overseas talent, Alex Sanderson’s squad refresh signals clear intent. Here’s a closer look at each arrival.

Joe Marchant (from Stade Français)

The return of Joe Marchant is a headline-grabber. After honing his game in France with Stade Français, the England centre brings pace, footwork and defensive intelligence. His ability to cover centre and wing gives Sale flexibility across the backline, and his experience abroad should add a new dimension to their attack.

Nicky Smith (from Leicester Tigers)

Welsh international prop Nicky Smith arrives from Leicester Tigers to bolster the front row. Known for his scrummaging solidity and work rate around the park, Smith adds much-needed depth and reliability in the tight exchanges.

Tomas Francis (from Provence)

Another experienced Welsh prop, Tomas Francis, returns to the Premiership after a stint in France with Provence Rugby. A proven Test operator, Francis strengthens Sale’s scrum and brings a wealth of international know-how at a crucial time.

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Alex Lozowski (from Saracens)

Creative back Alex Lozowski swaps Saracens for Sale in a move that adds versatility. Comfortable at fly-half, centre or full-back, Lozowski offers tactical kicking, distribution and composure—ideal for a side looking to evolve its attacking structure.

Ponepati Loganimasi (from Fijian Drua)

Explosive winger Ponepati Loganimasi joins from Fijian Drua, bringing raw pace and unpredictability. His sevens background and finishing ability could make him one of the Premiership’s most dangerous broken-field runners.

Elia Canakaivata (from Fijian Drua)

Back-row forward Elia Canakaivata arrives alongside his Drua teammate. A dynamic ball-carrier with international pedigree, he adds physicality and breakdown presence, as well as the kind of athleticism modern Premiership sides crave.

Cebo Dlamini (from Griquas)

South African prop Cebo Dlamini makes the switch from Griquas. A powerful scrummager, Dlamini fits Sale’s traditional emphasis on forward dominance and could prove a shrewd addition in the engine room.

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Christ Tshiunza (from Exeter Chiefs)

One of the most exciting young forwards in Britain, Christ Tshiunza departs Exeter Chiefs for a fresh challenge. Equally comfortable in the second row or back row, his athleticism and lineout ability make him a long-term cornerstone signing.

Courtney Lawes (from Brive)

A marquee addition, Courtney Lawes arrives from CA Brive. The former England captain brings leadership, physicality and elite defensive presence. Even in the latter stage of his career, Lawes remains a game-changing forward and a statement signing for the Sharks.

David Opoku-Fordjour (from Coventry)

Promising youngster David Opoku-Fordjour steps up from Coventry Rugby. A developing talent, this move represents both depth and future planning, with Sale investing in youth alongside marquee names.

JJ Scheepers (from Pumas)

Rounding off the recruitment drive is South African forward JJ Scheepers, who joins from the Pumas. A physical presence, Scheepers adds further grunt to an already reinforced pack.

The verdict

Sale Sharks haven’t just recruited—they’ve rebuilt with intent. A blend of international pedigree, Premiership experience and emerging talent suggests this is more than a refresh; it’s a statement of ambition. If these signings click, Sale could be serious title contenders next season.