Importance Score: 22 / 100 🔵
Following Brive’s hard-fought victory over Provence, which bolstered their aspirations for promotion to the Top 14, discussions post-match centered on potential tributes to recognize Courtney Lawes, their esteemed international player, for a potential British and Irish Lions selection. This rugby news highlights Brive’s Top 14 promotion push and the possibility of a Lions call-up for Courtney Lawes.
Brive Considers Honouring Courtney Lawes for Potential Lions Tour
Standing near the players’ tunnel at Stade Amedee Domenech, club president Thierry Blandinieres, and his predecessor, Simon Gillham, expressed considerable excitement. Suggestions from a visiting correspondent regarding commemorating Lawes’ potential Lions selection – such as featuring Lions merchandise in the club shop or adopting red jerseys as a unique tribute for the opening match of the next season, instead of their traditional black and white – were met with enthusiasm.
‘We might consider wearing red for a home game against Toulouse,’ Blandinieres proposed, envisioning Brive’s return to the pinnacle of French rugby and honouring Lawes upon his potential selection for the Lions tour to Australia. ‘We would be the first club from the French second tier to boast a Lion,’ Gillham added.
The former England captain had already received a Presidential endorsement; former French President Francois Hollande, who served at the Elysee Palace from 2012 to 2017 and is a prominent figure in the Correze region, watched Lawes play against Provence. Gillham, who sat alongside Hollande on Friday evening, remarked, ‘Monsieur Hollande is undoubtedly a Courtney Lawes admirer!’
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Will Farrell Select Lawes for the Lions?
Whether Lions head coach Andy Farrell shares this admiration to the extent of selecting Lawes for a final British and Irish Lions tour will be revealed imminently, specifically on May 8. It is evident that, at 36, the seasoned back-rower and centurion for his country remains a formidable player and leader. Despite not currently participating in international or top-flight club rugby, Lawes still exudes international quality.
He has been exceptional throughout the season for Brive, galvanizing their promotion bid, and he delivered another commanding performance in the 24-17 victory over their southern rivals. In a high-intensity match, Lawes’s composure and tactical awareness were particularly noticeable. His vast experience was evident as he brought structure to the frenetic proceedings.
Despite not playing international rugby, Courtney Lawes displays international pedigree
Among British and Irish rugby‘s back-row talent, few possess his unique attributes
Andy Farrell’s decision on Lawes’s Lions selection will be announced on May 8
Lawes showcased his skills with numerous crucial lineout catches, a series of intelligent carries demonstrating his footwork and astute running lines, proficient handling, and his customary disruptive presence at rucks. He secured a critical breakdown penalty in the 13th minute while Provence were attacking. Three minutes later, he stole a visitor’s lineout, setting up a penalty that allowed Brive to seize the lead.
Lawes remained prominent and influential consistently. A powerful tackle early in the second half halted a period of Provence pressure. Shortly after the hour mark, his challenge at another lineout earned Brive a free-kick, and with 13 minutes remaining, his elusive run into the opposition 22 sparked an attack that nearly resulted in a try. Soon after, the pack leader’s latest aerial claim and maul involvement led to the decisive score, securing the win.
From the stands, the club leadership were as impressed as ever. ‘Courtney has been extraordinary for Brive and was magnificent tonight,’ Gillham stated. ‘He elevates the performance of everyone around him, much like Jonny Wilkinson did during his time at Toulon.’
When Farrell Sr. unveiled his Lions assistant coaches the previous month, John Dalziel – the Scottish coach overseeing the forwards – commented on Lawes: ‘His performances are being monitored, and he is under consideration.’ If they are indeed observing, he should be a leading candidate. Despite the depth of back-row talent in British and Irish rugby currently, few possess his caliber.
Lawes had previously declared his ambition to secure a spot on another Lions tour and his belief in his ability to break into the Test XV. Speaking to Mail Sport on Friday, he expressed a mix of realism and optimism, saying: ‘I’m not truly expecting to be involved with the Lions, but I will keep the dates free just in case something unexpected occurs!’
‘I contemplate, “Do I warrant selection, considering the form of players who have been actively playing international and top-tier rugby?”. Yet, it’s about contributing to the team, and I am confident I can contribute through experience and offering a different style in the back row.
‘I’m probably the only natural six. The home nations seem very openside-focused, and even our No 8s are similar to opensides. I am arguably the most distinct back-row option, and I can also play second row, plus I bring experience and leadership, adding value in that regard. I am certainly not counting on it, and realistically, I don’t anticipate going, but you never know!’
Assessing his form at Brive, Lawes added: ‘I’m content with my contributions. I am performing well in lineouts and breakdowns, and I’m striving to carry the ball effectively too. A significant part is being a reliable player who can deliver regardless of conditions and game dynamics.’
Lawes has been outstanding all season, propelling Brive’s promotion campaign
If Farrell’s coaching staff are watching, Lawes should be a prime candidate for selection
Farrell should select Lawes once Brive conclude their play-off campaign
Even the Lions, despite their wealth of talent, would benefit from such reliability, experience, and versatility. They are arguably stronger at openside than blindside. Farrell should indeed select Lawes, who will be fully available after Brive’s play-off commitments. He is fit, performing strongly, commands respect, is popular, and possesses significant know-how. He can be a valuable asset once more.
At Brive, they should prepare space in the club shop and begin planning a commemorative jersey colour change, just in case.
English Rugby Could Take Notes from Brive
Brive possesses facilities, financial stability, and fervent support befitting their history as former European champions and their ambition for top-tier status. English businessman Ian Osborne became a primary shareholder two years prior, and his investment has facilitated substantial squad enhancements and the construction of a new, impressive stand last year, costing £10 million.
On-site facilities encompass a large gymnasium, medical facilities, spacious changing areas, a synthetic training surface, new hospitality suites, and offices, including a coaches’ office inexplicably featuring a picture of Harry Maguire in a Manchester United kit on a pinboard. Along the corridor is a players’ relaxation area with a dartboard, its surrounding wall bearing considerable damage, suggesting limited darting expertise within the team.
Remarkable Fan Support in Brive
The fervour of the fanbase was truly remarkable. Two hours before kick-off, the town was quiet, before an outpouring of passionate support at the stadium. The attendance reached nearly full capacity at 13,778, in a town with a population of only 45,000.
Large crowds of supporters gathered to welcome the team’s arrival by coach. The welcoming committee were so well-organized they possessed official accreditation. They were prepared with red flares to create a vibrant, noisy, and smoky tunnel for their heroes. Some used megaphones, the arrival was filmed, and hundreds congregated around the gates waving flags.
This is a relatively recent tradition there, worthy of emulation in the Premiership. This column encourages Gloucester’s devoted fans to attempt to match it – provided they navigate health-and-safety regulations regarding flare usage – but the challenge is open to any English fanbase to generate Brive-level passion and atmosphere.
French League Becomes a Global Rugby Reunion
Currently, even in the second division, French club matches serve as gatherings for players from across the globe – and Brive versus Provence became a reunion for Welsh and Northampton contingent.
Post-game, Provence players George North and Tomas Francis joined Brive’s injured Welsh flanker, Ross Moriarty, for photographs in the tunnel. Unfortunately for North, he was substituted early and ended the evening in a protective boot, following a lengthy recovery from a serious Achilles injury before his belated Provence debut in January.
He was one of three former Northampton Saints players involved in the match, alongside Lawes and Teimana Harrison – the former England flanker who captained the visiting Provence team. Harrison displayed his characteristic explosiveness and aggression, earning a loud ovation from Brive supporters upon his substitution.
There was certainly no holding back when these former teammates clashed on the field, with Harrison attempting to target Lawes with impactful tackles, and Lawes in turn focusing on North, to prevent him from causing disruption in midfield.
Sexton’s Lions Fly-Half Comments
Johnny Sexton’s inclusion in the Lions coaching setup is a valuable addition, given his contemporary, title-winning insights into the modern game and attacking strategies – however, his opinions on fly-half selection should not dictate Andy Farrell’s decisions.
The Irish legend has publicly endorsed Owen Farrell, seemingly at the expense of Finn Russell, which is potentially unhelpful for fostering unity among the playmakers, to say the least.
Having been initially omitted from the coaching staff and given his outspoken views on the matter, Sexton’s role should be limited to mentoring chosen fly-halves, rather than influencing selection debates.
If Russell were overlooked for the tour, it would be a significant injustice and highly unlikely. Indeed, he should still be considered the primary contender for the No. 10 jersey in the Test series, regardless of Sexton’s tracksuit status.
Meanwhile, Marcus Smith’s apparent dip in form is increasingly detrimental to his chances, while George Ford has enhanced his outside chances with another commanding performance for Sale, in their bonus-point victory over Harlequins.
If another experienced playmaker is sought for the Australia tour, Ford warrants consideration ahead of Farrell Jr.
Johnny Sexton (right) has publicly supported former teammate Owen Farrell for the Lions tour
Sexton’s support for Farrell comes at the expense of Finn Russell, who must be selected for the Lions
Final Thoughts on Promotion and Relegation
In addition to his role at Brive – where he is highly respected – Gillham also serves as chairman of the Championship. He faces a considerable challenge and is passionate about the necessity of adopting a genuine, merit-based system of promotion and relegation between the second tier and the Premiership, in contrast to maintaining the ring-fenced status quo currently under discussion.
Having witnessed Brive’s victory on Friday, Gillham addressed the contrasting situations on both sides of the Channel, stating: ‘For me, the dynamic between the Top 14 and Pro D2 is excellent because of the combination of risk and aspiration. Provence desperately wanted to win tonight, and so did we.
‘Without promotion, it would likely have been an inconsequential match, and instead of nearly 14,000 spectators, we would have had 3,000.’
Simon Gillham has cautioned that the Premiership faces collapse without reinstating relegation
‘Sport is fundamentally about aspiration and jeopardy. The French system is not perfect, but it has several aspects right, including the movement between leagues.
‘In England, the Premiership and the Championship could learn significantly from this. I genuinely believe we are heading down a perilous path in England if we decide on promotion without relegation. A closed league is the antithesis of what we need. It will not grow; it will diminish in scale.
‘The Championship possesses real potential. We have a crucial meeting on May 8. We need to collaborate with the Premiership, and the Premiership must engage with the Championship. If the Premiership makes the error of believing it doesn’t require the Championship, then the Premiership will inevitably collapse.’
Gillham’s argument is compelling, and the vibrant atmosphere at Stade Amedee Domenech, driven by the prize of promotion, serves as strong evidence supporting his viewpoint.