England’s head coach Steve Borthwick has made significant changes to the national rugby squad by excluding Ollie Lawrence and Elliot Daly from the 25-man central contract list as he prepares for the Rugby World Cup in Australia next year. Despite both players participating in the Six Nations, they were absent from England’s three summer Tests, leading to their omission. Lawrence’s exclusion is particularly surprising given his strong performance in England’s victory over New Zealand. Meanwhile, Northampton forward Alex Coles and Sale prop Asher Opoku-Fordjour have been newly added to the squad.
In addition to Coles and Opoku-Fordjour, Seb Atkinson, Guy Pepper, and Jack van Poortvliet have also received contracts after not being included last year. Daly’s absence raises eyebrows due to his versatility and previous commendations from Borthwick. However, he still has a chance to join the larger World Cup squad, which will eventually consist of 33 players, keeping him in the mix for future selections.
The decisions have intensified competition within England’s midfield and back-three positions. Atkinson is emerging as a top contender for the inside-centre role, while Opoku-Fordjour’s capability to play on both sides of the scrum adds depth to the team. Despite these changes, notable players like Courtney Lawes and South African-born centre Benhard van Rensburg have also been overlooked. Lawes remains eligible for selection, having returned to England, and van Rensburg made his international debut during the summer.
England’s central contracts, valued at around £150,000 per season, allow for greater control over players’ preparation. Borthwick’s selections offer a glimpse into the players who are aligning closely with his World Cup plans. As the squad continues to evolve, the competition for spots in the final 33-man World Cup team is expected to intensify.