England’s head coach Steve Borthwick has made decisive changes to the national team’s roster as he continues to refine the squad ahead of the Rugby World Cup set to take place in Australia next year. Notably absent from the newly announced 25-man central contract list are Ollie Lawrence and Elliot Daly. This development comes despite both players having participated in the Six Nations, although neither appeared in England’s three summer Tests. Lawrence’s exclusion marks a notable shift, given his standout performance in England’s victory over New Zealand in the past.
In a move that highlights Borthwick’s evolving strategy, newcomers Alex Coles from Northampton and Asher Opoku-Fordjour from Sale have been awarded central contracts. Other players joining the list this year include Seb Atkinson, Guy Pepper, and Jack van Poortvliet, who were not included in the previous selection. These additions reflect a fresh direction in England’s approach, as Borthwick aims to enhance the team’s depth and versatility.
While Daly’s versatility has been applauded by Borthwick in the past, his absence from the central contract list is significant. Nonetheless, the 33-year-old remains a viable option for the broader World Cup squad, which will accommodate a total of 33 players. The current lineup decisions have intensified competition within England’s midfield and back-three positions, with Atkinson now emerging as a strong candidate for the inside-centre role. Opoku-Fordjour’s competence in playing on both sides of the scrum further bolsters his appeal to the selectors.
In addition to Lawrence and Daly, Courtney Lawes and Benhard van Rensburg, the South African-born centre, have also been left out of the central contracts. Lawes is still eligible for selection following his return to England, and van Rensburg, who made his international debut over the summer, will have to wait for future opportunities. The central contracts, valued at approximately £150,000 per season, grant England greater influence over player preparation and align with Borthwick’s vision as he gears up for the World Cup.