In a significant move for England’s rugby team, head coach Steve Borthwick has excluded Ollie Lawrence and Elliot Daly from the 25-man central contract list as he continues to refine his squad ahead of the Rugby World Cup in Australia next year. Although both players participated in the Six Nations, neither was part of the summer Test matches, signaling a notable shift in Borthwick’s strategy. Lawrence’s absence is particularly surprising given his past performance in England’s victory over New Zealand.
New additions to the squad include Northampton forward Alex Coles and Sale prop Asher Opoku-Fordjour, while Seb Atkinson, Guy Pepper, and Jack van Poortvliet have also secured contracts after being overlooked last year. The decision to leave out Daly, a versatile player praised by Borthwick and valued for his adaptability, highlights the competitive nature of England’s current lineup. Nevertheless, Daly remains eligible for the larger World Cup squad, which will comprise 33 players.
The exclusion of Lawrence and Daly intensifies the competition for positions in England’s midfield and back-three, with Atkinson emerging as a strong contender for the inside-centre role. Opoku-Fordjour’s ability to play on both sides of the scrum also strengthens his position within the team. These changes reflect Borthwick’s evolving vision for the squad as he gears up for the prestigious tournament.
Additionally, veteran player Courtney Lawes and South African-born centre Benhard van Rensburg have not been awarded central contracts this time around. Despite this, Lawes remains available for selection, having recently returned to England, and van Rensburg, who made his international debut over the summer, continues to be a part of the broader talent pool.
England’s central contracts, valued at approximately £150,000 per season, offer the national team greater influence over player preparation. Borthwick’s latest selections provide an early glimpse into the individuals who are currently aligning with his World Cup plans, marking a crucial phase in England’s preparations for the upcoming international challenge.