CourtneyLawes

Lawes played a pivotal role off the bench on his first British & Irish Lions Tour to New Zealand in 2017.

Having missed out on the opening Test of the series, he was introduced as a replacement in both the second and third Tests and his impact in the engine room of the pack helped the Lions return from New Zealand with a famous series draw.

Lawes, who has more than 100 caps, was once again utilised by Warren Gatland on the 2021 Tour to South Africa.

He was a key part of the squad and started all three Test matches against the Springboks, though at blindside flanker rather than the usual second row.

He played the full 80 minutes of the final Test against South Africa, where Morne Steyn kicked a late penalty to win the series for the hosts.

Lawes saw early success after arriving on the scene, helping Saints return to the Premiership in 2008 and reaching the final of the Junior World Cup with England Under-20s in 2009.

Two years later, Lawes was part of Martin Johnson’s squad that went to the 2011 Rugby World Cup – starting two pool stage matches as England’s campaign was ended in the quarter-finals.

Lawes was also at the heart of the England side which won back-to-back Six Nations titles in 2016 and 2017, with his tackling and ball carrying major features of their success.

His immense form earned him a first call-up for the Lions, receiving his first starting place for the tourists’ second game of the Tour against the Blues, which ended in a 22-16 defeat.

Two Test appearances followed before Lawes proved instrumental in England’s run to the 2019 Rugby World Cup final, also starring when they reached the semi-finals four years later.