After the 2023/24 Gallagher Premiership Rugby season wraps up, Courtney Lawes will bid farewell to his long-standing tenure at Northampton Saints, as he prepares to embark on a new chapter with French outfit CA Brive.
In a statement released via the Northampton website, the 35-year-old expressed mixed emotions, acknowledging the sadness of departing his childhood club while also recognizing the irresistible opportunity presented by the overseas move.
“I want to make it clear that I really would have liked to end my career as a one-club man, and Saints did absolutely everything they possibly could to make that happen – our conversations were all very positive,” said Lawes, in a statement on Northampton’s website.
“But, first and foremost, I have to make sure that my family and I are in the best position possible for my retirement, which will be in the next couple of years.
“This is likely to be the last contract I’ll ever sign, and the offer I have received to play overseas will be transformational for my family, so there was no way I could turn it down and I took the decision to move away from Northampton.
“I’m so grateful for everything that Saints has given to me. I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to play so long for my hometown, and the supporters have been amazing through it all – in both the good times and the bad.
“I’ve been through it all with Saints and I just hope that my efforts on the pitch have reflected my appreciation for the club. It’s obviously incredibly sad for me to be leaving, but ultimately, I know I am leaving Saints in really good hands on and off the pitch with the players, coaches and staff we have.”
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WARREN GATLAND’S LIONS XV:
15. Leigh Halfpenny (Wales)
A stalwart of Welsh rugby, Halfpenny’s precision on the field was matched only by his reliability under the high ball. His defensive prowess and lethal boot made him a formidable opponent, earning him accolades as one of the finest full-backs in the world.
14. Tommy Bowe (Ireland)
Bowe’s lightning pace and clinical finishing made him a nightmare for opposition defenses. Renowned for his work ethic and versatility, he brought a blend of skill and determination to every game, leaving an indelible mark on Irish rugby history.
13. Jonathan Davies (Wales)
Davies’ midfield mastery and astute game reading elevated him to the pinnacle of Welsh rugby. A linchpin in both attack and defence, his ability to break lines and create opportunities made him a vital asset in any team’s arsenal.
Gatland wrote: “This was the most difficult selection for many obvious reasons. I know a lot of people will ask why I did not select Brian O’Driscoll here. If you were to pick a Lions team that included the tours when he was at his best, 2001 and 2005, then he would come into that calculation because he was an unbelievable player.
“But when I was head coach in 2013, his best days were behind him whereas Jonathan Davies was in his prime. He played in the series-winning Test in 2013 and went on to become player of the series on the 2017 tour against the world champions New Zealand.”
12. Jamie Roberts (Wales)
Roberts’ brute force and tactical acumen made him a force to be reckoned with in midfield. Combining power with finesse, he consistently punched holes in opposition defences, earning accolades as one of Wales’ most formidable centres
11. George North (Wales)
North’s sheer athleticism and devastating speed made him a game-changer on the wing. Blessed with remarkable footwork and raw power, he left defenders grasping at thin air as he tore through opposition lines, cementing his status as a Welsh rugby icon.
Gatland wrote: “Wales were blessed with some fantastic athletes in the backline during my time and George was another one with explosive power and brilliant footwork which made him difficult to deal with, particularly at his best between 2011 to 2013. His physicality was important in negating the power of Israel Folau against Australia in 2013.”