In a pivotal move for England’s rugby squad, head coach Steve Borthwick has excluded Ollie Lawrence and Elliot Daly from the 25-man central contract list as he continues to build his team for the upcoming Rugby World Cup in Australia next year. Despite their participation in the Six Nations, both Lawrence and Daly were absent from England’s three summer Tests, marking a strategic shift in Borthwick’s approach. Lawrence, in particular, had previously been a standout performer in England’s victory against New Zealand, making his exclusion a noteworthy development.
The reshuffling sees new faces like Northampton forward Alex Coles and Sale prop Asher Opoku-Fordjour joining the squad. Additionally, Seb Atkinson, Guy Pepper, and Jack van Poortvliet, who missed out last year, have now secured contracts. Daly’s absence is especially significant given his versatility on the field and the positive remarks Borthwick has made about the 33-year-old in the past. Despite this, Daly remains in the running for the broader World Cup squad, which will consist of 33 players.
With these changes, competition intensifies for positions in England’s midfield and back-three lineups. Atkinson emerges as a key contender for the inside-centre role, while Opoku-Fordjour’s skills on both sides of the scrum bolster his standing in the squad. Meanwhile, seasoned player Courtney Lawes and South African-born centre Benhard van Rensburg, despite being overlooked for contracts, are still available for selection. Lawes has returned to England, and van Rensburg made his international debut during the summer, keeping them in the mix for future selection.
England’s central contracts, valued at approximately £150,000 annually, offer the team enhanced control over player preparation. Borthwick’s latest roster selections offer an early glimpse into the players who are currently aligning most closely with his strategic vision for the World Cup. The adjustments signal a dynamic phase for England as they refine their squad in pursuit of global rugby excellence.