In a significant shift for England’s rugby team, head coach Steve Borthwick has excluded Ollie Lawrence and Elliot Daly from the 25-man central contract roster as he gears up for the Rugby World Cup in Australia next year. Despite both players participating in the Six Nations, they did not appear in England’s trio of summer Tests. This move marks a notable change in strategy, especially concerning Lawrence, who had previously shone in the team’s victory against New Zealand.
Among the fresh faces joining the squad are Northampton forward Alex Coles and Sale prop Asher Opoku-Fordjour, as Borthwick looks to infuse new talent into his lineup. Seb Atkinson, Guy Pepper, and Jack van Poortvliet have also secured contracts this year, having missed out in the previous cycle. The decision to leave out Daly, a player known for his versatility and previously lauded by Borthwick, is particularly noteworthy. Although Daly won’t be part of the core contract group, he could still be considered for the expanded World Cup squad of 33 players.
This latest roster update intensifies competition within England’s midfield and back-three positions. Atkinson has emerged as a strong candidate for the inside-centre role, while Opoku-Fordjour’s skill in playing both sides of the scrum enhances his appeal. Meanwhile, veteran player Courtney Lawes, along with South African-born centre Benhard van Rensburg, has also been omitted. Nonetheless, Lawes remains eligible for national selection after his return to England, and van Rensburg, who made his international debut over the summer, is still in the mix.
England’s central contracts, valued at approximately £150,000 annually, offer the coaching staff greater influence over players’ training and preparation. Borthwick’s choices provide an early glimpse into the athletes who are currently aligning with his World Cup vision. The reshaped squad reflects a strategic move towards building a robust team for the upcoming challenges on the global stage.