Lawes to step away from England’s Rugby national team after loss

England vice-captain Courtney Lawes has announced he will retire from international duty at the completion of the Rugby World Cup.

The 34-year-old flanker was part of the England team that exceeded expectations by leading South Africa until the final minutes of Saturday’s semi-final before losing 16-15.

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FRIDAY’S RUGBY PLAYOFF TO DECIDE THE THIRD PLACE

England has the small consolation of the third-place playoff against Argentina on Friday, which will be the last time Lawes pulls on the England jersey if selected.

Lawes, who has made 105 appearances, 12 of them as captain, in a 15-year England career, said on Sunday: “I’ve said to the boys, anyone that’s asked. I think it’s time. I’ve done four World Cups, so I’m pretty happy with that.

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“It’s a bit of an 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. It’s not always been the ups. There were plenty of downs in there, but I’ve pushed through.

“I’m not an emotional person, really, but it’s just been a huge honour for me. “To be able to finish with this group, it’s something I’ll treasure forever.”

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LAWES MADE HIS ENGLAND DEBUT IN 2009

Lawes made his England debut against Australia in 2009 when current head coach Steve Borthwick was team captain.

He was a member of the England team beaten in the 2019 World Cup final by South Africa and also played in the 2011 and 2015 tournaments. He also represented the British and Irish Lions in 2017 and 2021.

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Lawes said he would continue to play for his club, Northampton, but was looking forward to spending more time with his four children. “The kids are at that age where they need their dad around,” he said. “It will be good to be with them more, to provide some well-needed structure to the mob.”

Lawes is expected to be followed into international retirement by 32-year-old Manu Tuilagi and 36-year-old Dan Cole, but the narrow semi-final loss suggested a bright future for England, who had the most players aged 25 or under among the four semi-finalists.

© Agence France-Presse