CA Brive head coach Pierre-Henry Broncan and assistant Saïd Hirèche were full of praise for Courtney Lawes ahead of last Friday’s clash with SU Agen, with the former England captain continuing to play a central role in the Pro D2 side’s campaign.
Lawes and Brive have won five of their last six matches and currently sit second in the Pro D2 table, trailing only FC Grenoble by five points. The Englishman has been instrumental at the set-piece, averaging three lineout steals over the past fortnight, and leads the competition for turnovers with 18 successful jackals.
Broncan was effusive in his praise for Lawes when speaking to Canal+.
“Courtney is class. You don’t win 100 caps for your country, captain England and Saints, and play for the British and Irish Lions by accident. He’s a hard worker. He never puts himself first – it’s always about the team. He’s the father of this group. A true leader. His calmness is his biggest strength.”
The former Wallabies assistant also gave his view on Lawes’ British and Irish Lions prospects.
“If he keeps playing like this and performing in the big games, I think he has every chance of a Lions call-up. He knows Andy Farrell will be watching. We’d be thrilled to have a British Lion playing at Brive – it would set a great example for our younger players. It would show them that playing international rugby is possible, even here.”
Brive legend Hirèche also expressed his admiration for how seamlessly Lawes has slotted into the squad.
“Every time he speaks – even just a few words – the whole team stops and listens. He’s a great role model for the younger lads. He’s humble, puts in the extra hours, and has poured his heart and soul into the club. He’s a fantastic leader.”
Brive’s hopes of promotion to the Top 14 remain alive, with the side currently on course to host a home semi-final and just four rounds left in the Pro D2 regular season.
