Courtney Lawes accidentally confirms teammates international retirement speaking to ITV

Rugby News
Saturday, 28 October 2023 at 09:15
screenshot 2023 10 28 at 091442
Courtney Lawes, may have inadvertently dropped a bombshell regarding one of his compatriot's international retirement during a conversation with ITV.
At 34 years of age, Lawes boasts a remarkable rugby resume, with appearances in four World Cups and two British and Irish Lions tours. His feat of earning 100 caps places him among a select group of just five English players who have achieved this milestone.
Lawes' journey commenced in 2009, when he made his debut for the England squad against Australia, with Steve Borthwick at the helm as team captain. His illustrious career includes a runner-up finish in the 2019 World Cup, as well as participation in the 2011 and 2015 tournaments. Moreover, he has donned the prestigious Lions jersey in both the 2017 and 2021 campaigns.
Following England's triumphant third-place playoff victory over Argentina, Lawes shared his insights with ITV, hinting at a significant changing of the guard within the team.
According to Lawes, Ben Youngs and Jonny May have also officially confirmed their international retirements.
However, it's worth noting that Jonny May, while alluding to the possibility of hanging up his boots, has refrained from making an official announcement. Nevertheless, he did express a sense of relief at the prospect of retiring from the sport.

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“Absolute stinker 2/10" – Three players who flopped for England against Argentina

Questions now loom over several players' futures as they prepare for the 2024 Six Nations.

#1. Henry Arundell

Telegraph 3/10: "What a waste of talent. From five tries against Chile to not touching the ball until 50 minutes when he miscued a kick and gave away a penalty."
Rugby Dump 2/10: "First touch he gave away a penalty after 48 minutes, poor lad. Second touch was a kick to nowhere. Could have been given a 10 rating if he got the ball, we’ll never know."
Mail Online 4/10: "At last given a chance to start. You wanted to see him in possession but, frustratingly, it just didn’t happen. Not all his fault but needs to look for the ball more. Didn’t receive a pass from a team-mate."
Planet Rugby 4/10: "I mean, what was the point of him being there? England just didn’t give him the ball as he spent his evening chasing kicks. Such a shame "
Rugby Pass 2/10: "Took 48 minutes to touch the ball only for his scuffed kick to tempt Will Stuart offside despite Arundell making his catch. His only other note was getting flat-footed around halfway at the start of the move that led to the first-half Argentina try."

#2. Marcus Smith

Telegraph 4/10: "The night the full-back experiment died? Targeted under the high ball and poor missed tackle on Carreras. Still finishes the tournament well in credit."
Rugby Pass 5.5/10: "Generally too loose in his play, missing too many tackles through getting bumped."

#3. Manu Tuilagi

Telegraph 5/10: "In common with his tournament, the Sale Shark was pretty quiet bar one ferocious hit. Might prove to be his swansong."
Rugby Pass 5.5/10: "Given little room to manoeuvre with the ball in the tight squeeze and only figured marginally in defence with a low tackle count during his 56 minutes."
Mail Online 5.5/10: "Physical as always but met his match up against Jeronimo de la Fuente. This might be the last time we see him in a white shirt. Replaced by George Ford."

Rugby Quiz:

The score from the geography whiz in the RUCK office to beat is 23/25. Getting 100% is achievable if you really put your mind to it.
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