Courtney eyes Lions and foreign pay-day

ENGLAND enforcer Courtney Lawes has not ruled out an overseas swansong before bringing down the curtain on his stellar career.

- NEALE HARVEY

Lawes, 31, made his 85th Red Rose appearance against Wales in March, achieving the notable distinction of becoming England’s most-capped lock ahead of Martin Johnson and equalling Lawrence Dallaglio’s mark as a back five player.

However, his hopes of extending an illustrious Test career and having a crack at a fourth World Cup for England in 2023 will hinge as much on market forces as his ability to keep the body intact.

Northampton legend Lawes told The Rugby Paper: “I like being a one-club man at Saints, but who knows what the future will hold?

“Rugby’s a business at the end of the day. I’ve got a family to look after post rugby so I’ve got to make sure that I’m getting what I’m worth.

“I’m certainly willing to go abroad at some stage. Whether I will or not is another question and I’ve got another year on my contract anyway, so I’m not going to worry about that now. I just want to get back to playing some rugby.”

Lawes has unfinished business with England and is delighted to have drawn level with Dallaglio’s impressive haul of caps.