No easy ride for England’s prodigal sons

England internationals Courtney Lawes and Joe Marchant won’t automatically waltz back into the national setup.

Both players are back in the English Premiership with the Sale Sharks following spells in France, which makes them eligible to play for England again. But England assistant coach Richard Wigglesworth says a comeback to the Test team won’t be guaranteed for either player.

Lawes especially is emerging as a potential lock and loose forward option for next year’s World Cup in Australia.

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Wigglesworth has made it clear that both must impress during the opening rounds of the Premiership season to force their way into England’s plans for the November leg of the inaugural Nations Championship.

“We want as much quality as we can have in the league but they are going to have to go and play well,” Wigglesworth said.

“There are some good players in the room and to pick them you have to leave someone else out, so they would have to go over and above that, I would say.”

Wigglesworth, who won 33 England caps, welcomed Lawes’ return and acknowledged the qualities he could bring.

“It’s great to have Courtney back. He has unbelievable experience, is an England legend and has been flying in pre-season, as everyone is.”

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Lawes’ decision to return to the Premiership has opened the door to a remarkable international comeback, but Wigglesworth believes the veteran’s determination could be crucial.

“I couldn’t have given up the chance of England because I didn’t play as much as loads of people,” he said.

“But Courtney has said, ‘I’ve got an itch here and I’m coming back’… That level of determination and the qualities he has should put himself in a good spot. Experience, he has certainly got that. We are keen to watch him play.”

Photo: Jan Kruger/Getty Images for Sale Sharks