Rugby Icon Courtney Lawes to Leave Brive

Former England international Courtney Lawes has announced his departure from French second-division side Brive at the conclusion of the current season.

The 37-year-old veteran, who joined the club in 2024, has made 37 appearances and earned the organisation’s deep respect.

In an official statement on Monday, April 6, 2026, Brive expressed immense pride in having a “world rugby legend” represent their colours, noting that while they hoped he would retire with them, they fully support his decision to seek a final challenge in England.

𝘾𝘼 𝘽𝙧𝙞𝙫𝙚 : 𝘾𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙩𝙣𝙚𝙮 𝙇𝙖𝙬𝙚𝙨 𝙧𝙚𝙩𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙣𝙚𝙧𝙖 𝙚𝙣 𝘼𝙣𝙜𝙡𝙚𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙧𝙚 𝙖̀ 𝙡𝙖 𝙛𝙞𝙣 𝙙𝙚 𝙡𝙖 𝙨𝙖𝙞𝙨𝙤𝙣

Le CA Brive annonce le départ de Courtney Lawes après deux années passées en Corrèze à la fin de la saison.

👉 https://t.co/QBI6aP9IUq pic.twitter.com/r7BPMCLHWD

— CA Brive Rugby (@CABCLRUGBY) April 6, 2026

Lawes, a versatile forward capable of playing in both the second and back rows, holds a distinguished legacy, including 105 caps for England and participation in four World Cups.

A key figure in three Six Nations titles and the 2016 Grand Slam, he retired from the international stage following the 2023 World Cup.

Reflecting on his tenure in France, Lawes remarked that his time with Brive was unforgettable from both a personal and professional standpoint, pledging to give his maximum effort as the team pushes through the final stretch of the season.

Currently sitting fifth in the standings with five matches remaining, Brive is well-positioned to compete in the promotion play-offs.

Lawes emphasised his commitment to finishing this chapter of his career on a high note, aiming to help the club secure a spot in the top flight before his departure.

As the legendary flanker prepares for his “new adventure” back in his home country, his presence remains a focal point for Brive’s postseason aspirations.