"It's time" - Courtney Lawes travels to Downing Street to take on Prime Minister and government
Rugby NewsThursday, 08 February 2024 at 15:48
England lock Courtney Lawes has demanded that the government improve opportunities for young people, specifically in sport.
Last month, Lawes travelled to Downing Street on behalf 'of the centre for social justice'.
The CSJ’s vision is for those living in the poorest and most disadvantaged communities across Britain to be given every opportunity to flourish and reach their full potential.
They bring this vision to life by seeking to influence the policies the Government creates and the laws it makes, such that it does all it can to address the root causes of poverty.
He wrote on Instagram: "The objective is clear. We want all children growing up in the uk to have equal opportunity to find and play their sport and we think that starts at school.
"If I hadn’t had gone to Northampton School for boys I never would have picked up a rugby ball. Not only are we wasting so much potential but we are also depriving young people of the values of so many sports and their communities.
"It’s time we found a way to help everyone find their place and community."
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A powerhouse winger, van der Merwe's size and speed make him a lethal attacking threat. His ability to break tackles and finish tries, combined with his strong defensive efforts, adds a dynamic edge to Scotland's backline.
#19. Finn Russell (Scotland)
A creative playmaker at fly-half, Russell's flair and innovative decision-making set him apart. His precise passing and daring attacking kicks often unlock opportunities for Scotland. His presence ensures an unpredictable and exciting dimension to the team's game.
#18. Jordie Barrett (New Zealand)
A versatile back, Barrett's impressive boot, aerial skills, and positional awareness offer versatility to the All Blacks. His ability to play fullback, wing, or center, coupled with his goal-kicking prowess, makes him a valuable asset to the New Zealand squad.
#17. Josh van der Flier (Ireland)
A tenacious openside flanker, van der Flier's work rate and breakdown prowess are his standout traits. His relentless tackling and ability to secure turnovers make him a vital component of Ireland's defensive efforts and breakdown strategies.
#16. Aaron Smith (New Zealand)
#15. Will Jordan (New Zealand)
An exciting fullback/winger, Jordan's speed and finishing ability make him a try-scoring machine. His support play and elusive running lines exploit defensive gaps. His presence adds a dynamic edge to the All Blacks' attacking strategies.
#14. Tadhg Beirne (Ireland)
Beirne's versatility as a lock and back-row player elevates Ireland's options. His athleticism, lineout skills, and aggressive breakdown work set him apart. An asset in both set pieces and open play, he consistently impacts the game.
#13. Scott Barrett (New Zealand)
A robust lock/flanker, Barrett's physicality and tireless work ethic make him an asset to New Zealand's forward pack. His lineout expertise and powerful ball-carrying contribute to the All Blacks' dominance in set pieces and loose play.
#12. Damian Penaud (France)
Penaud's flair as a center/winger adds a creative dimension to France's backline. His ability to break tackles and create scoring opportunities, combined with his defensive resolve, makes him a crucial player in France's strategies.
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#10. Tadhg Furlong (Ireland)
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#8. Pablo Matera (Argentina)
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