In a strategic move ahead of next year’s Rugby World Cup in Australia, England head coach Steve Borthwick has made notable adjustments to his squad, excluding Ollie Lawrence and Elliot Daly from the 25-man central contract list. While both players participated in the Six Nations, neither featured in England’s three summer Tests, signaling a shift in Borthwick’s lineup preferences. This development is particularly significant for Lawrence, who previously made a strong impression during England’s triumph over New Zealand.
New faces on the central contract roster include Northampton forward Alex Coles and Sale prop Asher Opoku-Fordjour. Additionally, Seb Atkinson, Guy Pepper, and Jack van Poortvliet have secured contracts after being left out last year. Daly’s exclusion is especially surprising given his versatility and Borthwick’s earlier commendations of the 33-year-old. Despite not being part of the central contract list, Daly remains a potential choice for the broader World Cup squad, which will comprise 33 players.
The alteration in contracts heightens the competition for places in England’s midfield and back-three. Atkinson emerges as a strong contender for the inside-centre spot, and Opoku-Fordjour’s adaptability across both sides of the scrum enhances his prospects. Alongside these changes, Courtney Lawes and Benhard van Rensburg, a centre of South African origin who debuted internationally during the summer, have also been omitted. Nevertheless, Lawes is still in the mix for future selection after his return to England.
England’s central contract system, which offers increased control over player preparation, is valued at approximately £150,000 per season. Borthwick’s recent selections provide early insights into the players who are currently aligning with his World Cup vision, as he continues to refine the squad in preparation for the upcoming tournament.