In a surprising shift in England’s rugby strategy, head coach Steve Borthwick has excluded Ollie Lawrence and Elliot Daly from the 25-man central contract list as he refines his squad in preparation for the Rugby World Cup in Australia next year. Both players, while active during the Six Nations, did not participate in England’s three summer Tests. Lawrence’s exclusion is particularly unexpected given his standout performance in England’s previous win over New Zealand. Meanwhile, Daly, known for his versatility, was also left out despite prior commendations from Borthwick, though he remains a contender for the broader 33-player World Cup squad.
New faces in the central contract lineup include Northampton’s forward Alex Coles and Sale’s prop Asher Opoku-Fordjour, reflecting Borthwick’s evolving vision for the team. Seb Atkinson, Guy Pepper, and Jack van Poortvliet have also secured contracts this time around after missing the cut last year. These additions signal intensifying competition within England’s midfield and back-three positions, with Atkinson emerging as a leading candidate for the inside-centre role. Opoku-Fordjour’s ability to operate on both sides of the scrum adds valuable flexibility to the team’s configuration.
Despite Daly’s prominence and utility on the field, Borthwick’s decision underscores a significant strategic pivot, though Daly’s eligibility for future selection remains intact. Alongside him, Courtney Lawes and the South African-born centre Benhard van Rensburg have also been omitted from the list. Lawes, however, continues to be considered for selection after his return to England, whereas van Rensburg, who debuted internationally over the summer, finds himself temporarily sidelined.
The central contracts, valued at approximately £150,000 per season, are crucial as they grant the coaching staff greater control over player preparation. This selection marks an early glimpse into Borthwick’s priorities as he crafts a team capable of competing on the world stage. While it reshuffles familiar names, the inclusion of fresh talent hints at a dynamic and adaptable squad ready to meet the challenges of the upcoming World Cup.