In a strategic move ahead of the Rugby World Cup in Australia next year, England’s head coach Steve Borthwick has excluded Ollie Lawrence and Elliot Daly from the 25-man central contract list. This decision marks a shift for both players, who were part of England’s lineup during the Six Nations but did not participate in the three summer Tests. Lawrence’s absence is particularly striking, given his notable performance against New Zealand in prior matches.
New faces on the contract list include Northampton forward Alex Coles and Sale prop Asher Opoku-Fordjour, indicating Borthwick’s evolving strategy. Seb Atkinson, Guy Pepper, and Jack van Poortvliet have also secured contracts after being left out the previous year. Despite Daly’s exclusion, his adaptability on the field and past commendations from Borthwick highlight the coach’s challenging decision. Daly, aged 33, still stands a chance to be part of the larger 33-player World Cup squad.
The changes have intensified competition for positions in England’s midfield and back-three areas. Atkinson is emerging as a strong candidate for the inside-centre role, while Opoku-Fordjour’s flexibility in playing both sides of the scrum is a valuable asset. Meanwhile, Courtney Lawes and Benhard van Rensburg, a South African-born centre, were also not included in the central contracts. Lawes, however, continues to be an option for selection following his return to England, and van Rensburg debuted internationally over the summer.
England’s central contracts, valued at approximately £150,000 annually, provide the national team with enhanced influence over player training and readiness. Borthwick’s recent selections offer insights into his approach and the athletes who are currently aligning closely with his World Cup aspirations. This reshuffling underscores the dynamic nature of team selection as England gears up for the international competition.