Saints still Bez place for Lawes

COURTNEY LAWES has quashed speculation he is to make a big-money move to France by agreeing a new contract with Northampton.

The England and Lions star would have brought an end to his 85-cap Red Rose career by switching to ambitious Beziers. But reports he was in “advanced” talks with the French club have been rubbished by sources close to the player.

Instead, Lawes (above) will pen a new deal keeping him at Saints until at least the 2023 World Cup. Official confirmation is expected today.

Brad Barritt is to leave Saracens, but has signed a contract extension to allow him to finish the club’s European Cup campaign. “All good things must come to an end,” he said.