In a significant move as England gears up for the Rugby World Cup in Australia next year, head coach Steve Borthwick has excluded Ollie Lawrence and Elliot Daly from the 25-man central contract list. Both players did not play in England’s three summer Tests, although they participated during the Six Nations. Lawrence’s omission is particularly striking, given his standout performance in England’s win over New Zealand, signaling a shift in Borthwick’s strategy.
New faces in England’s squad include Northampton forward Alex Coles and Sale prop Asher Opoku-Fordjour. Seb Atkinson, Guy Pepper, and Jack van Poortvliet have also secured contracts after previously being left out. Daly, known for his versatility and previously praised by Borthwick, remains an eligible candidate for the broader World Cup squad, which will consist of 33 players.
This latest development intensifies the competition for positions in England’s midfield and back-three. Atkinson is emerging as a strong candidate for the inside-centre role, while Opoku-Fordjour’s dual capability on both sides of the scrum bolsters his selection prospects. Despite being overlooked, Courtney Lawes and South African-born centre Benhard van Rensburg remain available, with Lawes back in England and van Rensburg having debuted internationally over the summer.
The central contracts, valued at approximately £150,000 per season, offer England greater control over player preparation. Borthwick’s current roster choices provide a glimpse into the players who are currently central to his World Cup strategy. This reshuffle highlights the evolving dynamics within the team as England seeks to optimize its lineup for the global tournament.