England Vice-Captain Courtney Lawes Announces Retirement After Distinguished Rugby Career
Vice-captain Courtney Lawes has decided to step away from international rugby duty upon the conclusion of the Rugby World Cup, marking the end of an illustrious career in the sport. The 34-year-old veteran, who has represented England on 105 occasions over a span of 15 years, made his retirement plans known after England’s recent semi-final defeat to South Africa.
Lawes’ remarkable rugby journey has included four Rugby World Cup appearances and participation in two British and Irish Lions tours. With a century of caps for England, he joins an exclusive group of just five Englishmen who have achieved this milestone. His England career began in 2009, when he made his debut against Australia during Steve Borthwick’s captaincy.
The decision to retire from international rugby wasn’t taken lightly, but Lawes feels the timing is right. He stated, “I think it’s time. I’ve done four World Cups, so I’m pretty happy with that. I haven’t told Steve yet, but I will let him know. It’s a bit of the end of an era, but it’s been a real honour for me to represent England for so long. It flies by. I’m proud of the journey I’ve been on. To be able to finish with this group, it’s something I’ll treasure forever.”
Although he is bidding farewell to international duty, Lawes will continue playing at the club level for Northampton. He could make his final appearance for the national team in the upcoming bronze-medal match against Argentina.
Lawes has been part of England’s remarkable journey and believes in the team’s promising future. He is determined to conclude his international career on a high note, emphasising the importance of a strong finish in the Rugby World Cup. He said, “We want to finish on a high. It’s important for us to finish properly and send us all off on a good win.” With his leadership and contribution to English rugby, Lawes leaves a significant legacy behind as he prepares to transition into the next phase of his rugby career.
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