Lawes considers options and may head abroad

ON THE BLINDSIDE

BY NEILFISSLER

Courtney Lawes is mulling over his future after revealing that he has got an escape clause written into his Northampton Saints contract that could allow him to leave at the end of the season.

The England and Lions lock/blindside will celebrate his 34th birthday in February and is due to be under contract at Franklin's Gardens next season but is exploring his options which include following Dan Bigger abroad. Lawes, above, who has only made two appearances for Saints this season after a long spell on the sidelines with concession, joined the club from Northampton Old Saints, making his debut for the club in 2007.

And the former England captain hints that retirement isn't far off, and the news that he is willing to explore his options will alert teams in France and Japan who have the funds to boost his pension fund.

“I think I'll probably get one more contract out of myself, then call it a day at the end of that. I'd love to stay at Saints, at the same time, you've got to find what's best for yourself and your family,” he said.