Lawes, who will turn 38 next February, retired from international rugby at the end of the 2023 World Cup in France – having also played for England at the 2011, 2015 and 2019 tournaments, but it seems his desire to play on the Test stage has not been extinguished.
Last year he expressed a strong desire to be part of Andy Farrell’s British and Irish Lions tour of Australia and, critically, he has continued to evolve his game and remains in good physical condition.
Returning to the Prem would make Lawes eligible for England again as the RFU overseas rule means Borthwick can only select players based in England.
“I’m looking to do one more season,” Lawes said in an interview with the Daily Mail last week. “I think I’m still performing at quite a high level, so I don’t really want to stop yet.”
Lawes, who was first capped by England in 2009 and was a Lions Test player on the tours in 2017 and 2021, would have to prove his form next season and remain injury-free, but having a player of his wealth of experience, physicality and leadership skills could be tempting for Borthwick, whose side only won one of their Six Nations matches this year.
“I’m having an experience in Brive that I’ll never forget, both on and off the pitch,” said Lawes. “I’m going to give it my all until the end of the season to finish this adventure with CAB in the best possible way. My family and I have been very warmly welcomed in Corrèze and we will always have Brive at heart.”
