Before diving into the names, it’s worth understanding the scale of the challenge facing Steve Borthwick this summer.
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England’s 2026 Nations Championship campaign begins with a demanding run of fixtures:
- South Africa (away, Johannesburg)
- Fiji (home, at Everton Stadium)
- Argentina (away)
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.
