It has been a tough year – Courtney Lawes ready for a rest

Courtney Lawes has had a gruelling campaign (Mike Egerton/PA)

England captain Courtney Lawes stands one match from the end of an epic season admitting that rugby faces conflicting demands that are increasing the burden on players.

Apart from a pre-season break and the time needed to recover from concussion and a thumb injury, Lawes has been playing ever since the Lions’ tour to South Africa over a year ago when he was a starter in all three Tests.