Head coach Steve Borthwick is making strategic changes to England’s rugby team as they gear up for the Rugby World Cup in Australia next year. Notably, Ollie Lawrence and Elliot Daly are absent from England’s 25-man central contract list, a move that marks a shift in Borthwick’s approach. Both Lawrence and Daly were part of the Six Nations squad but did not participate in the three summer Tests, with Lawrence having previously shone in England’s triumph over New Zealand. Their exclusion signals a new direction for the team, particularly for Lawrence, who had been a standout performer.
In their place, new faces have been introduced to the squad. Northampton’s Alex Coles and Sale’s Asher Opoku-Fordjour are among those newly contracted, joining Seb Atkinson, Guy Pepper, and Jack van Poortvliet, who were not part of the squad last year. Despite Daly’s proven versatility and earlier commendations from Borthwick, the 33-year-old’s omission is noteworthy, though he remains a potential pick for the larger World Cup squad, which will include 33 players in total.
These selections intensify the competition for positions in England’s midfield and back-three, with Atkinson emerging as a strong candidate for the inside-centre role. Opoku-Fordjour’s proficiency in playing on both sides of the scrum has also enhanced his standing in the team. Veterans like Courtney Lawes and newcomer Benhard van Rensburg, who made his international debut during the summer, have been passed over for central contracts. Nonetheless, Lawes continues to be available for national duties after his return to England.
Central contracts are crucial for the national team as they offer the coaching staff greater control over player preparation and are valued at approximately £150,000 annually. The latest decisions made by Borthwick provide insights into the players who are likely to feature in his World Cup plans. As England fine-tunes their squad, these moves indicate a focus on integrating fresh talent while also maintaining a competitive edge in key playing positions.