In a significant development for England’s rugby team, head coach Steve Borthwick has left Ollie Lawrence and Elliot Daly out of the 25-man central contract list as he continues to refine the squad for the upcoming Rugby World Cup in Australia. This move comes despite both players participating in the Six Nations earlier this year, although they were absent from the three summer Tests. Lawrence’s exclusion is particularly notable given his standout performance in England’s previous victory over New Zealand, marking a shift in Borthwick’s strategic planning.
The reshaping of the squad brings new faces into the fold, with Northampton forward Alex Coles and Sale prop Asher Opoku-Fordjour among the latest additions. Additionally, Seb Atkinson, Guy Pepper, and Jack van Poortvliet have been awarded contracts, having been passed over in the previous year. These changes indicate a fresh direction for England’s team dynamics, especially in the midfield and back-three areas, where competition has intensified. Atkinson has emerged as a strong candidate for the inside-centre position, while Opoku-Fordjour’s versatility in handling both sides of the scrum adds depth to the squad.
Elliot Daly, known for his adaptability on the field, finds himself notably absent from the central contracts despite prior commendations from Borthwick. However, Daly remains a potential candidate for the broader World Cup squad, which will consist of 33 players, keeping the door open for his future involvement. The omission of veteran players like Courtney Lawes and international debutant Benhard van Rensburg adds further intrigue to the selection process. Lawes, having returned to England, remains in contention for selection, whereas van Rensburg’s international experience over the summer has not secured him a contract at this time.
The central contracts awarded by England are instrumental in shaping player preparation and are valued at approximately £150,000 per season. With these latest selections, Borthwick provides a preliminary glimpse into the core group of players likely to feature prominently in his World Cup strategy. The decisions underscore the competitive nature of the selection process as England seeks to optimize its roster for the challenges ahead in Australia.