Courtney Lawes is an English forward known for his versatility and big hits, capped over 100 times for England and toured three times with the Lions.
Courtney Linford Lawes was born on 23 February 1989 in Hackney, London, England, to a Jamaican father and an English mother, and moved to Northampton at age four, his mother's hometown. He attended Northampton School for Boys and joined Northampton Old Scouts, the same club that produced fellow England internationals Ben Cohen and Steve Thompson, before signing with Northampton Saints in 2007. Standing 2.00 metres tall, Lawes developed into one of the most physically dominant and versatile forwards in world rugby, equally effective at lock or blindside flanker, renowned for his ferocious tackling and lineout expertise. He made his England debut in 2009 against Australia and went on to earn over 100 Test caps, one of only a handful of England players to reach that milestone. Lawes was selected for the British and Irish Lions on tours in 2017 and 2021, and captained England on several occasions during a 15-year international career that included multiple World Cup campaigns. He spent 17 seasons with Northampton Saints, captaining the club to the 2024 Premiership title in his final season before departing for France's Brive. Lawes retired from international rugby following the 2023 World Cup, and moved to Sale Sharks in 2026 after two seasons in French rugby, continuing a career defined by rare physical presence and defensive intensity across both club and country.
Physical England lock/flanker, three-time Lions tourist
How They Played
Lawes is renowned for his exceptional athleticism and mobility for a forward, combining the lineout skills of a traditional lock with the pace and breakdown work of a flanker. His jumping ability and timing make him a formidable lineout operator, while his speed allows him to cover ground effectively in loose play.
Lasting Impact
Lawes established himself as one of England's most dependable forwards across more than a decade of international rugby, demonstrating remarkable consistency and versatility.
Career Honours
- 2019 Rugby World Cup runner-up
- Six Nations titles
- Premiership title with Northampton Saints
| Club | Period | Apps | Tries | Shirt |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Northampton Saints | 2007–2022 | 272 | 0 | #6 |
| Saracens | 2022–2024 | 134 | — | #6 |
 England | — | 105 | — | — |