Courtney Lawes wants to make return to international rugby in 2025
11/11/2024 02:10 PM
Courtney Lawes has revealed to Sky Sports that he's still open to donning the iconic red jersey of the British and Irish Lions in 2025, despite having stepped away from the international stage with England.
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England? Thanks, but No Thanks
Lawes, who hung up his England boots after the 2023 Rugby World Cup, has firmly shut the door on a comeback. When asked about the possibility of being tempted back into the England fold, Lawes said he doesn't expect head coach Steve Borthwick to make that call.
"I don’t think he [Borthwick] would [call]," Lawes explained. "I spoke to him before I made the call [to retire], and he's a family man himself. He understands why I'm calling it a day."
The Lions: One Last Ride?
But the Lions are a different story altogether. Lawes, a two-time tourist with the squad, would be tempted by the opportunity for a third adventure in Australia. "With the Lions, if I’m still playing well and got a call-up, I would probably do that, yeah," he admitted. "One more tour would be pretty cool."
It seems that while his England days are behind him, the lure of Lions glory remains a tantalizing prospect for Lawes.
Bookies Reckon This is the Lions Squad for the 2025 Aussie Tour – And Some Picks Will Surprise You
The British & Irish Lions tour of Australia in 2025 is generating excitement, with bookies now tipping a likely squad.
While a few seasoned players seem almost guaranteed, there are some unexpected names rumored to earn their stripes.
2025 BRITISH & IRISH LIONS SQUAD (36)
BACK-THREE (6)
The back-three boasts a dynamic mix, with Duhan van der Merwe and James Lowe bringing powerful running and finishing ability. Tommy Freeman and Immanuel Feyi-Waboso are tipped to add youthful flair and speed, while Hugo Keenan and Darcy Graham round out the squad with their solid defensive skills.
- Duhan van der Merwe (Scotland) – 1/16
- James Lowe (Ireland) – 1/8
- Hugo Keenan (Ireland) – 1/5
- Tommy Freeman (England) – 4/9
- Immanuel Feyi-Waboso (England) – 8/11
- Darcy Graham (Scotland) – 2/1
CENTRE (4)
In the centre, Bundee Aki is a strong favorite for his physicality, while Ollie Lawrence has made a name for himself with his impressive form. Sione Tuipulotu and Robbie Henshaw provide additional versatility and experience.
- Bundee Aki (Ireland) – 1/5
- Ollie Lawrence (England) – 1/4
- Sione Tuipulotu (Scotland) – 2/7
- Robbie Henshaw (Ireland) – 8/11
FLY-HALVES (3)
The fly-half selection highlights Finn Russell's creativity and flair, with Marcus Smith and George Ford both showcasing tactical nous and playmaking ability.
- Finn Russell (Scotland) – 1/10
- Marcus Smith (England) – 8/15
- George Ford (England) – 8/11
SCRUM-HALVES (3)
A competitive scrum-half group sees Jamison Gibson-Park favored for his quick service and decision-making, while Alex Mitchell and Ben White are both strong contenders.
- Jamison Gibson-Park (Ireland) – 8/11
- Alex Mitchell (England) – 11/10
- Ben White (Scotland) – 11/10
PROP (3)
The front row is anchored by stalwarts like Tadhg Furlong and Andrew Porter, while Ellis Genge and Joe Marler add depth and experience.
- Tadhg Furlong (Ireland) – 1/8
- Andrew Porter (Ireland) – 1/7
- Zander Fagerson (Scotland) – 4/11
- Ellis Genge (England) – 4/6
- Joe Marler (England) – 5/6
- Pierre Schoeman (Scotland) – 5/4
HOOKER (3)
With Dan Sheehan leading the way, the hookers are expected to be agile and mobile, crucial for the fast-paced style of play the Lions aim to adopt.
- Dan Sheehan (Ireland) – 1/10
- Jamie George (England) – 8/15
- Elliot Dee (Wales) – 6/5
LOCK (5)
In the locks, Maro Itoje remains a cornerstone, complemented by Tadhg Beirne's athleticism and versatility.
- Maro Itoje (England) – 1/33
- Tadhg Beirne (Ireland) – 1/10
- Joe McCarthy (Ireland) – 4/6
- Ollie Chessum (England) – 8/11
- George Martin (England) – 11/10
BACK-ROW (6)
Finally, the back row combines experience and dynamism, with Josh van der Flier and Courtney Lawes bringing a wealth of international experience and physicality.
- Caelan Doris (Ireland) – 1/5
- Ben Earl (England) – 1/5
- Josh van der Flier (Ireland) – 1/3
- Courtney Lawes (England) – 8/15
- Tommy Reffell (Wales) – 4/6
- Rory Darge (Scotland) – 6/4
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EDITORS PICKS:
- Huge blow for Scotland as Darcy Graham will miss Springboks clash
- RFU issues statements in defence of former boss Eddie Jones after allegations surface
- England team to play Australia: Borthwick names XV early again
- Ireland legend Brian O'Driscoll went viral for incident at an airport
- England forward has been handed a big ban following altercation with a fan
Name England’s Matchday 22 from the 2003 Rugby World Cup final?
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