In a significant shake-up of England’s rugby squad, head coach Steve Borthwick has excluded Ollie Lawrence and Elliot Daly from the 25-man central contract list as preparations intensify for next year’s Rugby World Cup in Australia. Despite their participation in the Six Nations, neither Lawrence nor Daly were involved in England’s summer Tests. Lawrence’s exclusion is particularly surprising, given his standout performance in England’s victory over New Zealand.
New faces in the squad include Northampton forward Alex Coles and Sale prop Asher Opoku-Fordjour, with Seb Atkinson, Guy Pepper, and Jack van Poortvliet also earning contracts after being overlooked last year. Daly’s absence is notable due to his versatility and previous commendation from Borthwick, although he still has a chance to be selected for the larger World Cup squad, which will encompass 33 players.
The decision introduces increased competition in England’s midfield and back-three positions, with Atkinson now a leading contender for the inside-centre role. Opoku-Fordjour’s ability to play on both sides of the scrum adds further depth to the squad. Meanwhile, Courtney Lawes and South African-born centre Benhard van Rensburg have also been left out, though Lawes remains in the selection pool following his return to England. Van Rensburg, who debuted internationally during the summer, will also not feature in the central contracts.
England’s central contracts, valued at approximately £150,000 annually, allow for greater control over player preparation. Borthwick’s latest roster selections hint at the athletes who are aligning closely with his World Cup strategy. This move suggests a strategic shift as Borthwick refines his squad with an eye on Australia next year, emphasizing players who can offer versatility and meet tactical demands.