Head coach Steve Borthwick has made significant changes to England’s rugby squad by excluding Ollie Lawrence and Elliot Daly from the 25-man central contract list. This move is part of Borthwick’s preparations for the Rugby World Cup in Australia next year. Lawrence and Daly were absent from England’s three summer Tests, though they did participate in the Six Nations. Lawrence’s omission is particularly noteworthy given his standout performance in England’s win over New Zealand.
New additions to the squad include Northampton forward Alex Coles and Sale prop Asher Opoku-Fordjour, while Seb Atkinson, Guy Pepper, and Jack van Poortvliet have also secured contracts after missing out previously. Daly’s exclusion is surprising due to his versatility and Borthwick’s earlier commendations of the 33-year-old. Despite this, Daly remains in contention for the larger World Cup squad, which will consist of 33 players.
The decision to leave out Lawrence and Daly intensifies the competition for positions in England’s midfield and back-three. Atkinson has emerged as a strong candidate for the inside-centre position, while Opoku-Fordjour’s capability to play on both sides of the scrum enhances his prospects.
Additionally, Courtney Lawes and South African-born centre Benhard van Rensburg have not been included in the central contracts. However, Lawes is still available for selection following his return to England, and van Rensburg, who made his international debut over the summer, remains a potential candidate.
Central contracts in England rugby offer players better preparation control and are valued at approximately £150,000 per season. Borthwick’s latest player selections provide insight into those currently closest to his plans for the World Cup.