In a strategic move, England’s head coach Steve Borthwick has unveiled his 25-man central contract list, notably excluding Ollie Lawrence and Elliot Daly as the team gears up for the Rugby World Cup in Australia next year. Despite their participation in the Six Nations, Lawrence and Daly did not feature in England’s recent summer Tests, signaling a shift in Borthwick’s squad strategy. Lawrence’s absence is particularly surprising given his standout performance in England’s previous victory over New Zealand.
As part of this reshuffle, new faces like Northampton forward Alex Coles and Sale prop Asher Opoku-Fordjour have been brought into the fold. Seb Atkinson, Guy Pepper, and Jack van Poortvliet, who were not on last year’s list, have also secured contracts this time. Daly’s omission is particularly noteworthy due to his versatility and past commendations from Borthwick, although he remains a potential candidate for the broader World Cup squad, which will consist of 33 players.
This decision intensifies competition within England’s midfield and back-three positions. Atkinson is now a strong contender for the inside-centre role, while Opoku-Fordjour’s capability to operate on both sides of the scrum has bolstered his standing within the team. The exclusion of seasoned players like Courtney Lawes and South African-born centre Benhard van Rensburg also adds intrigue. Lawes is still eligible for selection after his return to England, and van Rensburg, who debuted internationally over the summer, remains in the mix.
The central contracts offered by England are not only significant in terms of player preparation but also financially, valued at approximately £150,000 per season. Borthwick’s choices provide a glimpse into the players he deems crucial to England’s World Cup aspirations. As the squad continues to take shape, the latest selections hint at the evolving dynamics and priorities within the team structure.